The battles all over Belladona were in full swing, the clashes growing fiercer and more intense, the master mages among them all were facing the greatest opponents.
In the area of the entrance gates Kristen and Nora faced their battles with everything they had, they were opponents of great value and power. Kristen was evading Vidar's mighty ice spikes while releasing powerful lava blasts; Nora launched first-order elemental strikes while Hiruka launched her extremely powerful electric strikes, the ground in that region was already desolate by so much destruction and elements.
Hiruka was making use of his superior speed and agility against Nora, but she wasn't taking it easy, her projectiles were indeed powerful, her damage considerable.
– You're really giving me a lot of work, Gemini Mage, but I'm still going to finish you off. – Hiruka said, he was starting to show a little tiredness and launching some thunder projectiles.
– I will not give up, not while everyone is giving their lives to this, now die! – shouted Nora who launched a myriad of projectiles from the six basic elements and then went into direct combat.
– I will not fail my lady Helloise, you are the one who will die... Pāfekutosandāgoddosutōmu. – Conjured Hiruka who concentrated an absurd amount of electrical energy in his right arm, moved with his abnormal speed, he slapped his hand on Nora's torso unleashing an absurdly violent electrical storm that threw Nora away.
– Bastard! – shouted Nora who spat out a gust of flame and then a current of wind in a basic but powerful combination of wind and fire.
– I think it's time for another one of my electrical fixes. – laughed Hiruka who moved forward to hit Nora.
Everything seemed right, but when it came to hitting the mage, she discovered that it was a water clone that soon expands like a water capsule, but Hiruka managed to isolate its rays so as not to be electrocuted.
– Did you think I was some kind of amateur dear? It will not work. – Hiruka said arrogantly.
– It was just a stupid distraction… Gemini: Devastation Of The Elemental Particles Fission. – Conjured Nora that caused a nuclear explosion in the air near Hiruka, this explosion gave rise to a sextuple profusion of earth, wind, fire, water, light and darkness in a violent and destructive way, the blow opened a gigantic crater in the ground that led to the Nihondess mage down, but not yet fully defeated; Nora's Gemini mark sparkled with power.
– And you were hiding a blow like that, I'm not surrendering yet. – Shouted Hiruka who still had strength and determination.
At the same time as this fight was taking place, Kristen was trading increasingly intense blows with Vidar, he had conjured something like a forest of mobile ice thorns, but Kristen and her lava needles were proving tenacious opponents.
– This fight is very interesting, but I will fulfill my promise, and I will exterminate everyone here as I promised my lady... Dead End Icely Spikes. – Conjured Vidar who provoked his hundreds of ice trees that hurled an infinity of lethal ice thorns.
– What a nice attempt... Lava Cascate. – Conjured Kristen who threw a lava fountain up that served as a lava dome that protected her from the ice projectiles.
– A defensive technique, not your style, assassin. – Provoked Vidar.
– Let's say I'm very versatile. – Kristen laughed who advanced against the mage with lava shots that she spit out quickly.
The two mages exchanged scathing blows, she was clearly more agile and skillful, whereas Vidar had a lot of stamina, both were giving it their all in a succession of blows and projectiles, hard to tell who was getting the better of it.
– It's time to end this. – Said Vidar who punched the ground conjuring a series of ice spikes to hit the mage from below.
Kristen jumped high to avoid the projectiles below, more than that she was ready to decide that situation.
– I admire your devotion and willpower, but I can't forgive someone who defiled this sacred place, now it's over Vidar, it's over for you forever... Scorpio: Ultimate Blazing Needle. – Conjured Kristen concentrating all her energy in the form of a lava needle on her index finger, and with the force of the impact it went through Vidar's chest, it was a final and fatal blow, he was dead; Kristen's Scorpio mark was glistening. – A warrior who defended his ideals, but now it's over, his cause is doomed to failure. –
Hiruka saw that, he was scared, he realized that with Vidar dead he couldn't deal with the two master mages.
– Damn Vidar, apparently our fight will have to wait! – Said Hiruka who escapes from the place turning into electricity
– Come back here, you coward! – Shouted Nora.
– Are you all right, Nora? – Kristen asked, she felt the pain of some of Vidar's thorns.
– I am, those rays of his are really very strong, the M. Stroika has some dangerous generals. – Commented Nora.
– I know, Vidar, he was really a great mage, we better help these boys to finish with these bastards. – Kristen said that she was warming up for battle again.
– Let's get this over with, I'm going to need a long hot shower in a bathtub. – Nora laughed.
So the region of the entrance gates was under the control of the Royal Guard, the soldiers of M. Stroika were being decimated.
***
In the area leading to the road to Belladona Academy the clashes were intense, the mages were giving their all, but by far the confrontation between Guilherme and Alister were the most impactful and powerful in the area, destruction and chaos were present with honors.
– Come on Taurus, admit you only fight for power and greed, you are no better than the mercenaries that the Stroika gathered. – Guilherme said that he launched a double lava helix towards Alister.
– Take back what you said you bastard, we are not like these mercenaries, we have honor, pride and we fight for the freedom of the free world... High Stomp Earthquake. – Conjured Alister, he was angry with that, he had an almost idealized view of the Royal Guard, besides that his boyfriend was one of the royal princes; with his spell he double-step the ground which unleashed a seismic tremor with powerful shock waves.
– Spare me this talk of nobles and honorables, in 1964 Celestia financed a dictatorship that lasted 21 years, 21 years of a fierce dictatorship, full of repression, censorship, and benched by her country for fear that the country would allies itself with the Stroiko empire, my parents died because of political persecution, I know the rot and lows that this country goes to get what it wants, no matter that thousands of others pay for it. – Guilherme roared, furious that bursts into a vortex of lava in profusion to hit Alister with everything.
Alister managed to protect himself by pulling out a colossal block of earth to muffle the impact and managed to counteract Guilherme by holding him by the shoulders, they were in a power stalemate in which Alister was dosing his strength, in addition to resisting the lava surrounding Guilherme.
– I understand that we may have made mistakes in the past, but we learned, and we are the country that most defends democracy, necessary measures were taken, but now those times are gone, now don't use our past mistakes to justify this affront, put children's lives at play don't make them better, I can't forgive Guilherme... Taurus: Rampage Grand Impact. – Conjured Alister furious, his mark of Taurus was sparkling with power, this blow concentrated his magic and strength, his physical reinforcement was refined to the maximum, his strength bordered something close to Otrera's strength at that moment, his body seemed enveloped with an aura of kinetic energy, and so he delivered a sequence of precise blows with absurd force, headbutting, kneeing, punching, kicking and finally a powerful final punch that went through Kalario's abdomen and ripped up to the region of the opponent's heart.
– Co... As I said, they are no better than mercenaries. – Guilherme said that soon after he died in the arms of Alister who was holding his corpse.
– You're wrong, I'm just a mage serving your country, now your hatred and resentment can no longer spread, what was left behind, is left behind. – Monologued Alister who would not let his loyalty to Celestia and the Royal Guard shake.
Alister then turned to the fight in that area, he would fight until he destroyed M. Stroika's last invader, he had a sense of duty to his nation, among all the master mages he was perhaps the most patriotic and passionate about what Celestia represented.
***
In the central region the fights against Maynard and Heda were reaching absurd levels of power, it was a combat that involved very powerful warriors with absurd experience, in addition to old grudges. The senior QAN team fought hard against Maynard who proved to be a difficult opponent to face.
– You will pay for what you did in the past, I will avenge my clan, my mother, even if I have to change my plans by killing your children before you to see their dying faces... Mad Shards Storm: Max Range. – Conjured Maynard who made a storm of rock splinters in all directions targeting the three sons of his opponents, it was a very powerful blow and an extreme level of destruction, some buildings around were partially destroyed.
The blow was sure to hit and kill Declan, Eve and Erik who were taking care of other warriors, but Thiago protected them by sending Maynard's blow to the quantum phase. The three older mages were really mad about that.
– You may have the problem with us... – Thiago began with hatred in his eyes.
– But it comes down to us, face us with everything you have, but don't involve our children in this… – Adriana continued.
– And for daring to touch them, we will exterminate you, your worm, no matter what we have done or what we represent, our children will not pay for our sins. – Maurice finished, who was already positioning his puppet for a fierce attack.
– Come with everything, make it worth it! – shouted Maynard who was advancing launching powerful earth projectiles.
– Trust me, you'll see hell itself… Quantum Phamtom: Quantical Target. – Conjured Thiago, he altered the vibrational frequency around Maynard with a quantum energy field making the mage the only tangible target for the following attacks, making them even more intense.
– You provoked the wrong enemies... Concealed Dark: Sealed Corpse. – Conjured Adriana who enveloped Maynard with a powerful symbiotic shadow that completely paralyzed him still causing absurd pressure pains.
– No one threatens their lives and gets away with it... Ultimate Heavenly Fiery Slashes. – Conjured Maurice, developing his puppet which now had eight perfect pairs of wings, even had his puppet launch countless flaming blades from his wings to hit Maynard with all his flaming fury by cutting and roasting Maynard.
– Once again, you demonstrate Celestia's relentless fury, I may not have gotten my revenge, but Stroika will still do it for me and for everyone who has been betrayed and oppressed by this nation. – Maynard said, he had suffered fatal damage, he would die, it was sure.
Maynard soon died from injuries, which had made the three captains reflect a lot on their actions and the consequences of their collaborations in the war, they had killed to defend their sacred home and their children, but in their hearts, none of them could deny they had notion of what would happen to Maynard's family at wartime, however tacitly.
– Do you think there can be many others like him wanting revenge? – Asked Thiago.
– Probably, we knew the consequences would be serious, but we did what we had to do for our nation. – Adriana said.
– The important thing is that our boys are safe. – Maurice nodded.
The three realized that their children barely realized that a mortal blow had almost scythed them down, they were focused on their fight together with their master. There Anitta faced Heda, the two were in an intense exchange of techniques with celestial power.
– Come on Virgo, show me what I'm here to see, show me why they call you "closest to the gods" or has age weakened you? – Shouted Heda who projected numerous punches projectiles of celestial energy, in addition to trying to trap Anitta in a tetrahedron of celestial energy.
– Why do you insist so much girl? You don't know what you're asking for, surrender. – shouted Anitta who was in her meditative mode floating in the air with her legs crossed and with her hands in a concave position, emanating the celestial power, undoing the tetrahedron and then protecting herself with a celestial cocoon.
– You defend a nation that simply acts in the way that interests you best, not that I judge that, but I want to see if this story that one of the greatest servants of this nation is so close to the gods isn't just another damn ballistic and political measure to instill fear, and so far, you haven't shown anything really divine. - Heda replied that was emanating from celestial energy to try to hit direct and very intense blows on Anitta.
Anitta then seemed finally to have stressed, she would show that mage why everyone put her as the closest mage to the gods, a magical energy surrounded her, an intense atmosphere surrounded her, you could see the star representations of the 88 constellations involved of the mage, with the twelve zodiacs orbiting the central axis of the mage in 360º.
– You asked for it, didn't you? Want to know why they call me the closest mage to the gods? Get to know my true fighting style... Zodiacal Constellation Tarot. – Conjured Anitta, Anitta's Virgo Mark sparkled with power, 88 tarot cards orbited Anitta's surroundings, they had the same background, having the 8x4cm pattern, had the Royal Guard symbol and golden trim around the edges, this one spell was Anitta's ace, it personified the power of the constellations in 88 cards, the spellcaster chose one at random and according to the constellation, a move or condition was activated, so the mage chose one at random, the Pegasus card. – Pegasus, interesting, feel the immortal winged horse ride... Pegasus's Ride. –
The attack conjured an astral projection of an imposing winged horse that advances picking up momentum, went in profusion like a projectile of celestial and cosmic energy, that was quite an impact, Heda suffered frightening and unexpected damage.
– This power, the very constellations at your disposal, now I understand... Maynard is gone, I won't stand a chance against all these mages together, let alone Virgo. – Recognized Heda who soon found a way to dematerialize from there. – Believe me, there will be a return, I will still have my revenge. –
– Obtuse girl, she asked so much to see my real one, and runs as soon as she sees it… Thank you my gods for this blessing. – Said Anitta that returns to the ground and deactivates the constellations around it.
Anitta was one of the most resolved and enlightened mages, her loyalty was never in check, among all the Royal Guard was the wisest, most sacred and who understood the karmic workings of the universe, understood that Celestia did commit arbitrariness, excesses and extreme violence, but all within a larger plan that involved not just this world, but the entire multiverse, she did her part so that there was a strong center so that when that day comes there will be mages powerful enough to help preserve the cosmos, which the help to ease his conscience was his awareness of the afterlife.
– I will not lose to a girl who tries to make heavenly knowledge bow to her instead of bowing to heavenly knowledge. – Said Anitta who soon after conjures a shower of celestial comets to destroy the remaining invaders.
***
Near the cafeteria area the fighting was intense, the clinks of weapons and magical techniques were reverberating, the most intense fight there was between Aron and George, their techniques were very powerful, the meeting of razor blades and weapons created an enormous apprehension, in addition to the discomfort of having to kill each other, master and student.
– Aron, please stop it, don't make me do this! – George said, he swung his spear and stuck it in the ground, opening it and releasing an inverse shower of laminated projectiles.
– Spare me master, you don't understand, there's no way to understand, better, you don't want to see... The commoners in the Academy are nothing but a control mechanism, a way for the nobility to have those who can cause you problems about control, the keep them under their wing, but never truly free, and when the opportunity comes, they discard us... I will no longer live on my knees, I will write my own future or die a man who respected your dignity and convictions. – Aron shouted, who did not stop fighting for an instant, advancing with his hordes of extremely sharp razors.
– Aron, don't talk like that, you were like a son, and it hurt me so much to have lost you in the war, and I'll do my duty, no matter what it costs me. – George shouted, he would not give up fighting for Belladona, for all those young people, for the memory of the Aron he knew.
– Don't you understand? This is just karmic retribution for all they've done, in the new world of Stroika no child will be deprived of opportunity because of some talented noble noble brat... Razor Blades Wild Dance. – Conjured Aron, who provoked a torrent of razors that occasionally configured themselves as abstract dancing boxers advancing against George.
– Are you listening to yourself? And in that logic, wouldn't you be eliminating the nobles to make room for those outside the nobility, wouldn't you be simply doing the opposite of what you say happens? You won't be doing any better than the people you hate with such arbitrariness... Please come back, I know all will be forgiven. – George said, he protects himself with his various shields, his armor also managed to repel several of the razors.
– Whatever, maybe that's all this world needs, an inversion. – Shouted Aron who was advancing to try to hit some accurate and lethal razor in a vital target.
– Then I don't understand... You got lost by hatred and resentment, doing what you want will only fuel more hatred and desire for revenge, an approach that breaks this cycle of hatred and cyclical repression is needed. – Says George who launched his telekinesis-controlled swords at Aron.
– I don't have any more going back, master, I'm determined to take this to the end. – Said Aron who launched a storm of razors and with tears in his eyes.
– Unfortunately I realize that you are still as headstrong as you always were, and it pains me very much to have to come to this, but seeing that it will not stop, I have no choice, I cannot sacrifice the lives of these children for one, even if be someone I loved as a son... Lunes's Lance. – Conjured George, his mark of Sagittarius sparkled, he launched his holy spear concentrating his power on it, launching it in a spiral, the piercing power was greater than that of any other weapon, the energy emanating from the spear was hot and very intense.
Aron had been hit, the spear hit his chest in the perfect spot in the center, purposefully avoiding vital points, George then caught Aron's body before he hit the ground; with the student in his arms he laid Aron on his lap close to the ground.
– Why… Why didn't you kill me? – Aron said he was dizzy from the hemorrhage even though it wasn't eventually fatal.
– I'm not ready to say goodbye to you, not again, I promise we can work things out. – George said, he was crying because of the situation they were in.
– Master, I had forgotten how much you had a heart of butter, but I'm not going to live on my knees, I'd rather die standing up... Forgive me for all this disappointment, but I believe I lost the way that you he taught. – Said Aron who surreptitiously picked up a small fallen razor and cut his own throat.
– ARON! – George shouted scared and crying, he wanted to stop the bleeding, but he couldn't. – Aron, please, not now, don't leave me again. –
– Sorry master, but I needed to be faithful to what I believe until the end… I'll finally be able to hug Ava once again. – Aron said with difficulty and soon after dying in the arms of his master.
George was devastated, to see his student dead in his arms, a rebel and traitor, even at that moment George did not forget the affection, respect and zeal that the master mage had for the student, now really Emiliana was the only one left of his original students.
– Aron, I promise you will have a decent burial. – George said, he was shaken.
Ravi, Ramona and Lazaro then saw the master shaken and on his knees on the battlefield, then went to him to comfort and hug him, it was a moment of pain, but they had a battle to end.
***
In area I of the lake the fighting continued, the clashes led to the destruction of the surrounding region, the fight between Ethan and Beatrice was very dangerous, it was an impasse of divergent fighting styles, they were trying to tear each other apart.
– Come on, little prince, I know you can do better than that... Dangerous Fligth Of Ill Omen. – Conjured Beatrice who launched a flurry of owls made of dark wind vigorous and sharp as blades.
– No wonder she's one of the generals, she's powerful, very powerful… I'll have to finish her at once. – Ethan said, he used his sensorial spells to hide his presence, yet he moved with such dexterity to avoid the black gale attacks.
Ethan managed to land a series of nimble blows on Beatrice with the pain being amplified by 35X, it was an absurd intensity of pain, as Beatrice was still standing to fight it was difficult to explain.
– You bastard pillowcase bites, believe me this only makes wanting to kill you even easier, it's our turn, Celestia's decline begins today... Omen Wind Destruction Trail. – Conjured Beatrice, she unleashed several black wind blasts that tried to destroy Ethan with everything, aimed at him and kill him.
– It's now or never. – Ethan said, he tried to go through the black gale taking as little damage as possible, he had already been hit several times, he was full of black wind lashes cuts and the impacts of the gale had been something of an absurd level, he was fighting with everything that had, was very resistant.
Ethan was hit a few more times being taken by one of the trunks of black wind, ended up thrown to the ground in front of Beatrice who stepped on the mage's chest.
– Apparently you were already a Cancer, I promise to be quick. – Beatrice laughed morbidly, who was going to cross Ethan's chest with her foot covered by a black wind.
– You more than anyone should know that either kill me at once, or you fuck yourself… Cancer: Retribution Flux. – Conjured Ethan who grabbed Beatrice's ankle, returned to her all the damage he took from her.
Beatrice received a damage overload from the retribution spell plus a 40X increase in pain sensitivity, Beatrice was on edge with her psyche and pain nerves, ended up on the floor panting and trying to muster the strength to get up, but even she didn't. was succeeding, the pain and damage were surreal.
– You treacherous worm. – Beatrice said trying to compose herself, but the sensorial pain was something she had never felt so intense before.
– You who invaded our home, killed our students, you're finished, even if you don't need it, I insist... Cancer: Death Kiss. – Conjured Ethan, his Cancer mark glowed brightly, he gave off a rosy mist that seemed to envelop Beatrice, he came close to her without reaction and gave her a kiss that robbed her of energy to the point of her death.
Ethan had killed Beatrice with a kiss of death, as soon as he collected himself to continue the battle, he found Thea and Jack, both recovered and ready for a fight.
– Did you get rid of the Bricttany? – Thea asked.
– Yes, did you take Elijah's granddaughter to the medical ward? – Ethan asked.
– Yes, Jack, are you all right too? – Thea asked.
– Yeah, let's finish off the rest of these animals? – Jack said.
– We're not leaving a single one of them alive. - Ethan said with a look of fury.
So the mages of that sector would continue to fight, Ethan wanted to defend the Academy more than ever, he knew his country had committed questionable actions, but he would not turn against his homeland, he would protect it from the consequences of his actions and give his better to do only the best from then on.
***
In area II of Lake Maeve was in a fierce fight against Andrea and her sacred animal quartet, the combat in the lake region was intense, the master mage of Aquarius had to deal with the advances of Aoryu, Zhuque, Howaitotaiga and Kurogame, being that the latter was beside his summoner and firing projectiles.
– Aquarius, I have to admit you are doing better than I thought you would. – Andrea said that he commanded the four beasts without even having to move.
– These beasts, they really are very powerful. – Maeve said, she was a little breathless having to manage the battle against four high-level opponents.
The blue dragon advanced with its voracity with a swoop bringing a storm of wind; the white tiger leapt, trying to hit a series of projectile scratches of earth energy; the flaming bird hurled gusts of flaming wind and soaring flights of flaming wings; the turtle was causing a reverberation of the waters. Maeve moved skillfully and manipulating the lake water to help with dodge, defense and attack maneuvers, she was truly an elite warrior.
– Come on, my little animals finish her at once! – Andrea said, she was excited. – It is an honor to destroy such a powerful mage, but in the end it is necessary for us to fulfill our project of civilization. –
All four beasts advanced with even more powerful attacks, it could even be a fatal hit, but Maeve decided to release his power and use the strength of the lake to intensify it, the waters of the lake were considered sacred.
– You really are an opponent that even with dishonest and disgusting methods, is a great mage, so I'll do my best... Aquarius: Rose Water Bloom. – Conjured Maeve, her Aquarius mark glowed vigorously, this was her second most powerful technique, she trapped the four beasts in what seemed to be giant rose buds made of water that rotated at absurd speeds, and then they were blossoming with the edges of the "petals" of water being furious blades that were serrating the targets as they opened, and when they reached their apex the petals peeled off and advanced again against the targets culminating in vigorous water pillars.
That blow was very intense and managed to throw the four beasts to the ground near Andrea, she looked worried.
– Interesting, one of the most beautiful and impressive aquatic techniques I've ever seen, I need to train my beasts more, but believe me, we'll have a rematch... Kurogame... Obsidian Shell Gate. – Conjured Andrea, the black turtle's shell began to glow and soon Andrea had disappeared from there along with the four beasts.
– Shit! – Maeve said disappointed, she wanted to finish that battle, she wanted to avenge the mages killed by Andrea so she could get those beasts. – That woman, I swear I'm going to finish her off, but I have to admit she's a better crossbow tamer than I could have imagined. –
Baron then went to Maeve, he noticed that she was breathless and a little tired, the fight had been more intense than she wanted to admit, those beasts could become even more dangerous.
– Aunt, are you feeling well? – Asked Baron who is going to support his aunt.
– Yeah, I'm just a little tired, that woman I was fighting was too powerful, those beasts together were a deadly challenge for any master mage, we can't stall here, we have more of these bastards to exterminate, ready? – Maeve said, recomposing herself.
– Yes ma'am! – Said Baron.
The two Waves worked together crafting countless water dragon projectiles, Maeve wouldn't surrender, she was slowly regaining her vigor and energy, she couldn't rest while her beloved BA was under attack, that was an amazing example for her nephew who greatly admired her aunt.
***
Teresa and Veronica were in their fight full of plant summoning, the combat was balanced between them, leg and arm strikes aligned with the germination of deadly plants, for the mages around it was very frightening, the level of skill of both scared.
– You can try your best, but in the end we will walk over the rubble of the Belladona Academy. – Veronica shouted shortly after spitting a powerful blast of acid against the mage.
– I will not allow you to do this, I will defend this place with everything I have, so come with everything Veronica, I don't care how much hatred and resentment you have against us. – Teresa cried fearlessly, now projecting a shield of nature's energy around her.
– A bunch of murderers and degenerates who pretend to be good guys, Flourish Acid Pool. – Conjured Veronica, that caused ascending spirals of acidic flowers and a lot of acidic liquid.
Teresa manages to dodge with agility and with roots golems, one false step and could suffer a fatal wound, the two were in a complicated fight between two great nature mages.
– I'm tired of you, Veronica, and I won't put up with your arrogant behavior anymore, mainly because you stained this place that is so sacred to us... Capricornus: Avenger Nature! – Conjured Teresa, her mark of Capricornus sparkled with power, it was a mighty powerful blow, it caused an eruption of the power of nature from seals on the ground, in the air, on the side, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, from every possible angle, a shot unleashes the next in a succession of shots that culminate in a pillar of nature's energy in its glory.
Veronica was hit by such power, it was something devastating, she had barely survived, and after that then she would have to make a vital decision, mainly to see the situation of her troops.
– I don't believe it, but I'll have to retreat, I won't be able to face her right now... Make no mistake Teresa, I'll still be able to fulfill Mrs. Stroika's wishes and transform this world, free it from the clutches of Celestia. – Veronica said completely against her will, she wanted to continue, but she had been injured by Teresa's first-rate coup and wouldn't be able to continue the fight on an equal footing.
– Time, you will not run away. – Teresa cried, who launched several murderous roots to hunt Veronica.
– I think I will… Acid Fog. – Conjured Veronica producing an acid fog that gave her the opportunity to get out of there mixing with the earth and teleporting away from there as quickly as possible, she would rather live to fight another day than die and see everything she worked for get lost.
– COWARD! – Teresa shouted who punched the ground causing an eruption of branches from the ground impaling several enemy mages. – She is smart and swallowed her pride, she preferred to retreat rather than lose outright, but she left her soldiers to die, after we who are the insensitive monsters. –
Teresa had a great sense of honor, abandoning her companions in battle is never an option, she would rather die than let them down, for her to retreat leaving her allies behind was the height of selfishness and disloyalty.
***
In the area around the main building, attention seemed to be turning to Casey and Margareth, both were in a deadly confrontation between the assassin mages, the golden chains against the golden daggers.
– I have to admit that it is a great honor to fight the queen of slayers, even better will be able to defeat her... Daggers Atom. – Conjured Casey who threw ten daggers that were orbiting Margareth offensively, the daggers were extremely sharp and tried to nail the mage, could cut even atoms.
Margareth was defending herself with her chains, her control over them bordering on absurd, she was able to fight and neutralize the daggers.
– I can't deny your abilities girl, you even remind me of myself when I was your age, but age has brought me much more wisdom and power, at some point you'll realize that it doesn't bring you any real satisfaction, if you live enough to get to that... Aries: Skytrike Chains. – Conjured Margareth, her Aries mark flickered brightly, she unleashed a series of hits on Casey, she was hit in a chain by five chains, each causing a nuclear fission.
That blow had been heavy, Casey had been badly wounded, but luckily she was able to fight exceptionally well in projectile mode as well.
– This scam really is a Twelve's Trap Master scam, I'll have to be very careful. – Casey said, she controlled her daggers remotely and moved trying to protect his injured body.
– No one is going to touch my students and the Academy, so give it up or die right here! – Margareth cried, she conjured currents from all directions that were impaling all the invading mages and was hunting Casey.
Soon Casey was the last invading mage in that area, she wasn't an idiot, she had to run away, she wasn't stupid, she knew she was outnumbered and hurt.
– Shit… Margareth this will not end like this, it will come back. – Shouted Casey who retreats through a stamp paper that conjures an emergency exit portal.
– Let him try, they'll never be able to bring down Belladona. – Margareth cried decided.
Soon after Margareth was panting and nearly collapsed, Terrence who was nearby supported her.
– Mrs. Lock, are you feeling all right? – asked Terrence.
– It's okay, I think I just used a lot of my magic... I'm not a thirty-year-old girl anymore, but I don't care, I would give my life for these young people. – Margaret smiled.
– You are without a doubt the greatest director that this Academy has ever had, come on, we have to rally the young people, take care of the wounded. – Terrence said, he had a very kind nature.
– Thank you so much, Terrence, and you, have you thought about becoming a teacher too? I bet Erik and Damian will love having you as their teacher, that would be perfect. – Margareth said.
– I would be flattered, Mrs. Lock. – Terrence smiled.
So Margareth, along with the older mages, went to take care of the young people, check those who were injured, take them all to the medical area, there were perches, perches that would mark everyone there.
***
In the royal hall of the Gallard palace the battles were still raging, Daedalus was almost finished with the soldiers accompanying M. Stroika's generals. Helena was taking advantage in her fight against Myaka, even though the young woman was an excellent mage, she was facing a mage of legendary reputation.
– I have to admit, you really are a mage, I didn't think it would be so much work, but now that's enough, it's time to rest... Forever... Cosmic Bounce: Hardcore Destruction. – Conjured Myaka she caused the fall of cosmic energy comets in absurd amounts and speed, a shower of cosmic energy comets.
The blow was very violent and powerful, but Helena protected herself with a lava sphere, Helena would not be so easily defeated or killed.
– You had a bright future, a skill like that, too bad you got in the way of the wrong mage dear… Scorpio: Savage Lava Beast Eruption. – Conjured Helena who released one of her most powerful techniques, she made six colossal wild and destructive lava scorpions appear from the ground that advanced against Myaka.
– No! No! – Shouted Myaka.
The mage tried to get rid of and destroy the scorpions, but ended up not succeeding in time having been cut apart alive by scorpions of pure bestial lava that killed her in a painful way.
– Too bad I had to kill her, she had potential. – Helena laughed, who seemed not to be shaken by having killed Myaka. – That's what you get for calling me an old woman. –
Hecuba was in her fight against Zeno, she was proving to be a born warrior despite having left the days of battle behind, her movements based on cataclysms and electrical reinforcements were very harmful, managing to counteract even the powerful pressure techniques.
– Better surrender Zeno, you are outnumbered... Thunder Pursuit. – Conjured Hecuba by punching the ground and unleashing a series of shock waves and powerful thunder fed by a current of wind that helped to spread the electricity.
Zeno found himself surrounded, Daedalus and Helena soon also join the battle, Zeno had no chance against three elite Hecatrix together.
– I wouldn't risk my luck. – sneered Daedalus.
– Your friend has already become a barbecue, I think you're next. – Helena laughed.
– No… I'll finish this. – Said Hecuba who raised her fist with thunder.
– Nor am I crazy to face three mature Hecatrix together, I'm out. – shouted Zeno who provoked an absurd increase in gravity to buy time to escape through a teleportation portal.
The fights were not over yet, Valtor was at all costs trying to defeat his mother, he wanted to kill her, he launched extremely powerful vacuum palms, but the queen managed to stop them with barriers of celestial energy.
– Valtor, please surrender and everything will be forgiven, you know you cannot defeat me. – Shouted Aria who was still fighting defensively with her celestial energy barriers.
– Can't I? I'm tired of you telling me what I'm and what I'm not capable of, it's my turn mommy, I'm going to dominate this nation alongside the Stroika... Vacuum Palm Bang. – Conjured Valtor right in front of his mother, he unleashed several vacuum palms in the air that expanded like gigantic vacuum palms of devastating potential.
– Foolish child... Celestial Barrier Colapse. – Conjured Aria, her celestial energy barrier was accumulating the energy of the previous attacks and now it spread, releasing all the accumulated energy towards Valtor.
Valtor was thrown to the ground, when he realized he was surrounded by his parents and the three Hecatrix, there was no way out.
– Come on, kill me soon, I lost, as usual. – Valtor said with a lost look and giving up. – Just take care of my little princess. –
- You will not die, you will be tried as the law commands, I will ensure that justice is done, damn you if you are my son... Of all the things you have done, this is by far the worst thing , betrayed me, your father, your brothers, your daughter, your country... You dared to attempt against the life of the one who gave your life, for this monstrosity, you can forget that you have a mother, and I'm sure that one father too. – Aria said that she was devastated, tearful and couldn't stand to look at Valtor, helped her husband to stand up and soon after turned away and left with the king.
– Mom! Dad! Please yell at me, fight me, but please don't ignore me. – Said Valtor desperate and already trapped by magic handcuffs.
– No, you just don't deserve me to waste my time, you were foolish enough to fall for the Stroika, a woman who tried to destroy this country all her life, was willing to kill me, honestly, a being so futile and weak no he deserves that I waste my time with him, I offered you peace and raised your hand against me, well, I hope you suffer in jail, that your betrayal will haunt you for the rest of your days that will still be many, that every young person who died today in BA come back from Hadesu's underworld to haunt you, just forget you're a Gallard. – Aria said, she was trying to speak in a cold and contained way, but inside she was finished, crying blood and her soul destroyed by the betrayal of a son she loved so much, with her magic she took the colors out of Valtor's eyes, blinding him, her hair darkened to a charcoal black; she was accompanied by Artorius into the palace, she was going to her chambers, she simply needed to sleep after that.
– Mom… What did I do? – Valtor said that he seemed to feel as if everything so far had been a mistake, actions based on his envy and desire to be in power, he did not really reflect on the consequences of his actions. – Please kill me, I failed and attempted against the queen's life, I deserve it. –
– No, you will be judged and you will live to suffer your sins... Aria went through hell to be the best mother she can be, she tried to give you a free life and no charge like Emma, but you are a bastard , you bastard and ungrateful, I hope that each day from now on will be an endless torment, I swear if she hadn't blinded you, I would have done it myself with my lava needles. – Helena said, she was furious, Aria was like a sister, and seeing the state she was in was heartbreaking.
– I wonder if Gale is alright... Helloise is mad, she wants to put BA down, she said she wouldn't hurt her, but honestly I'm afraid for her, especially now that I failed and Zeno has probably gossiped already for her. – Valtor said with an air of pain and regret.
– As for that do not worry the legendary mages are there and this invasion will be smothered, let's arrest the Stroika, just like you, you are the most selfish, disgusting and disappointing man I have ever met. – Hecuba said with disgust.
– I can't take it, I'm sorry, but I need to do this... What that bastard has done is unforgiving, he doesn't raise his hand to your father and mother, and you've delivered your home on a platter to the woman who represents everything this country bled ten years ago to end a bloodbath, how can you be so selfish, idiot and traitor? – shouted Daedalus, who burst against Valtor, punching him and then throwing him violently against a pillar.
– Calm down my son... Aria has already expressed her opinion, he will be tried, there will be formal justice, don't worry, now we have to watch the place in case others try to invade it. – Helena said.
– Of course Mom… I was just thinking about Astarte, Polo, Artê, if they got hurt or… Or died, I don't know what I would do. – Daedalus said worried.
– Calm down bro, "O" is there, along with Eddy and Mor, everything will be fine. – Hecuba said, she was also extremely worried, but she was trying to remain calm and hopeful.
The queen was devastated, the king was almost killed, the monarchy, even though it had barely suffered a great shock with this attack, this betrayal marked the Gallard family, the situation hurt in everyone because at the same time Valtor's betrayal is unforgivable , the queen's middle child was a victim of his own psychosis which M. Stroika knew how to handle perfectly.