"Do you like that orange?"
"Yes, Sister. It's so delicious and sweet. Thank you."
"If that's the case, I'll bring more for Hana next time."
"You don't have to go through the trouble of bringing something every time you visit."
"It's no trouble at all, Lord Arlotte."
After chatting for a while with Hana and Lord Arlotte, Meysa excused herself as she still had tasks to complete.
"What exactly is happening to Hana? Just a few years ago, she seemed so healthy and full of life. But now… Why is all this happening at once? Monsters, criminals, and now this mysterious illness?"
"That day, I felt someone else's presence in the Chancellor's chamber. What's really going on? I can't keep being left in the dark like this. I need to uncover the truth."
---
"My sweet little sister, don't be mad anymore. Look, I've bought you lots of snacks." FuPa pleaded from outside Mila's room.
There was no response from inside.
"Just put the snacks in the fridge. If she wants them, she'll take them herself," their mother suggested.
FuPa sighed, "Mila, I'm leaving your snacks in the fridge."
This was his second attempt at apologizing to Mila—first before his stream, and now after it. He had completely forgotten that the time difference between Earth and the other world was significant.
Even their mother had questioned him, "What are you doing? You just went into your room and came right back out!"
FuPa decided to step back and think of a better plan to reconcile with his sister.
Eventually, he thought of someone who might help: Meysa.
He knew Meysa enjoyed spending time with Hana, the daughter of one of her seniors. FuPa had also met the little girl a few times and played with her alongside Meysa.
Hana was an adorable and polite child, always smiling, apologizing, and thanking others.
The last he heard, Hana was unwell, and it seemed her condition hadn't improved yet.
---
As classes were in session, the halls were bustling with students. Along the way, Professor FuPa was greeted by many of them.
"Where could Instructor Meysa be?" he murmured.
He had stopped by her office earlier but found it empty.
"Is she on another mission?"
While searching, FuPa ran into Lord Arlotte.
"Professor FuPa."
"Lord Arlotte, it's been a while since we last met."
"You look like you're searching for someone."
"Lord Arlotte, have you seen Instructor Meysa?"
"Yes, a few hours ago. She just visited Hana."
"Do you know where she is now?"
"She should be carrying out her duties at the moment."
"Thank you, Lord Arlotte. By the way, I heard Hana is unwell. Is that true?"
"It is."
"I'd like to visit her. I know many Healer Mages have already come by, and I might not be as helpful as them, but I'll do what I can."
"There's no need, Professor, but thank you for the thought."
"Alright, then I'll continue looking for Instructor Meysa first."
The two parted ways—one with a warm expression, the other as stoic as ever.
"Where are you?"
"I'm busy with something. What's up?"
"I want to talk to you."
"Is this about class again? I don't have time for that right now."
"No, it's something else."
"Is it important?"
"Of course, to me it is."
"Then spit it out already. Why are you beating around the bush?"
"It's about my sibling. I need your advice."
"You have a sibling?"
"Yes, two."
"They're girls?"
"Yes, why—wait, why are we having this stupid conversation? Where are you?"
"You started it, twig."
"Stop calling me twig! I'm not skinny!"
"Whatever. Anyway, I'm busy. By the way, the Chancellor is looking for you. I think it's about that matter."
The communication abruptly ended.
"Meysa, Meysa!"
"Shut up, idiot. I'm hiding."
"What the hell are you doing, fool?"
"Later."
Just as the professor was about to respond, the Chancellor appeared.
"Professor, what a coincidence."
"Chancellor."
"It's been a while since I've seen you in person. Why do you keep using your clones?"
"No particular reason. I just felt like it."
There was a brief pause before the Chancellor spoke again, her gaze scanning Professor FuPa as if dissecting him.
"Do you have a moment, Professor? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Actually, I have an appointment with Instructor Meysa."
The Chancellor shook her head.
"I'm afraid you'll have to postpone that. Instructor Meysa is currently on a mission."
"Yes, I know, but it seems she's having trouble and might need my help."
"Really? Don't worry, Professor. While this task is no small matter, I have full confidence in Instructor Meysa. She's always reliable."
A mysterious smile crept onto the Chancellor's face as she said this.
"Apologies, Chancellor, but I can't just leave Instructor Meysa to fend for herself."
Professor FuPa brushed past the Chancellor. As he walked away, the Chancellor called out.
"You seem quite close to and protective of Instructor Meysa, Professor."
FuPa stopped and turned around.
"What exactly are you getting at, Chancellor?"
"I just want to talk to you."
"I'll come see you as soon as I've met with Instructor Meysa."
FuPa resumed walking, but once again, the Chancellor spoke.
"Do you think I don't know what you're doing, Professor?"
Suddenly, a barrier appeared around them.
Professor FuPa immediately became alert.
"Chancellor, what is the meaning of this?"
"Well, since you refuse to talk, why don't we have our conversation here?"
The Professor calmed himself and exhaled. "Alright, what is it you wish to discuss, Chancellor?"
The Chancellor smiled and stepped closer. When she was very near, she leaned against FuPa's chest and began to speak.
"You're quite remarkable, Professor. Even in front of me, an eighth-semester Witch, you show not a shred of fear or hesitation."
"I don't have time for this, Chancellor."
"I know what you're doing, even if I don't have all the details. That special barrier around your room—it's impressive, but you overlooked the storage area. The energy from that portal, I can sense it."
The Chancellor's finger traced circles on FuPa's chest.
FuPa knew he couldn't hide this forever. It was only a matter of time before the truth came to light, especially with someone as perceptive as this eighth-semester Witch. He just hadn't expected his carelessness to cause trouble so soon.
"Your silence confirms it. Where does that portal lead, Pro-fe-ssor?" the Chancellor whispered.
FuPa had long been annoyed by this old Witch, and now she was teasing him like a flirtatious woman.
"Chancellor, please step back. I'm not particularly fond of your scent."
The Chancellor chuckled softly at this remark.
"Oh, Professor, you're making me more intrigued. Unlike the other professors at this academy, whom I've known for years, you appeared out of nowhere and quickly became one of the strongest Mages here. You're a mystery. Let me guess—on the other side of that portal lies your homeland."
"Damn, this old woman's intuition is sharp. Now, how do I handle this?" FuPa thought to himself.
---
Meysa coughed, blood spilling from her mouth. She clutched the upper part of her abdomen, which appeared uninjured on the outside but was severely damaged internally.
"How could someone be this strong?"
After communicating with the Professor through the special ring earlier, Meysa felt an overwhelming presence rushing toward her.
She quickly hid, trying to identify the individual.
"Who is this Heavy Sword Master? Is it Lord Arlotte? No, it can't be. That massive sword clearly isn't his. And I know his physique well. So, who is it? I can't make out his face because he's fully armored."
"There aren't many Heavy Sword Masters with this level of pressure in the Metamorfoza Continent, except for the Three Grand Masters. I've met two of them—Lord Arlotte and Lord Boque—but not Lord Helcore. Rumor has it Lord Boque is busy caring for his sick wife and he is from Husenica Kingdom, so this must be Lord Helcore from Vajce Kingdom."
Metamorfoza Land Map (Illustration on my Wattpad Page)
Suddenly, she thought of Hana, who was also ill. But as her focus shifted, a massive sword hurtled toward her.
Meysa reacted instantly, dodging the attack. But it wasn't over. The man charged at her, delivering a powerful punch.
Meysa drew her sword to block the blow, but the Energie penetrated her weapon and armor, striking her heart.
She coughed up blood and was thrown backward. Wasting no time, she fled into the forest in the Motyl Kingdom's territory.
Once inside the forest, the man stopped chasing her and left. Meysa sighed in relief and leaned against a tree.