Cassandra shivered violently, clutching her chest as an intense pain pierced her heart. Lusamine, who had been barely conscious, fell to the ground, her body trembling uncontrollably. The other students—Lu Qi, Pierre, and the rest—wore a kaleidoscope of emotions: grief, disbelief, sorrow, and shock. They couldn't comprehend it. Lamair, their protector, the strongest third year, the academy's sole Puppeteer, a friend, a brother, a lover—was gone.
His battle had been nothing short of monumental, a clash of titans that lasted a lifetime. But in the end, it had concluded in a single devastating moment, the beast's triumphant roar confirming their worst fears. Lamair was dead.
"Why? Why?! What did he do to deserve this?" Cassandra wailed, her voice breaking as she cradled Lusamine, whose cries were so heart-wrenching she couldn't even form coherent words.
