I gazed over the grounds from the top of the academy's clock tower, which was so tall it nearly reached the sky.
I could see everyone enjoying the most glorious time of day as the sun rose above, all while taking in the gorgeous autumnal scenery.
Every ray of warm, pleasant sunlight was obscured by the slowly drifting clouds in endless expanses of blue sky, so blue that they were as transparent as clear water.
The air was cool, clear, and refreshing as the wind blew gently. Little birds chirped in the vast sky above, echoing the empty space.
Indeed, it was a beautiful day, fitting to be the first day of school.
That is why I must protect this scenery from those heretic's grubby, filthy hands.
Although I knew the attack was going to happen, the fragmented memories I received were insufficient and lacked critical information.
It didn't have the time nor the locations that the heretic would attack, and it also didn't have any sound. All I have is a low-quality, hazy, fragmented sequence of events.
So I still have to do all of the heavy lifting to pinpoint those bastards.
"You have to think like a terrorist in order to defeat them." Putting one hand under my chin, I brainstormed all of the possible outcomes and strategies.
One, let's talk about their motivation. What could the terrorists achieve from attacking us?
A lot, actually, there are many significant magic books kept in the basement; a lot of influential people also attend this academy, and kidnapping them could be a great way to make money or exert pressure on the government.
Although the aforementioned reasons are all excellent, the risks are not worth the rewards. There must be a true intention.
"What could it be?"
Hmm, let's analyze our target: "The Brotherhood of Revelation."
On the surface, they preached the gospel of a demonic god—no, a false god—who once ruled over all beings before being slain by the First Hero. I believe that this was partly true; some believers truly follow this cause. But that is all a facade; standing behind them is an individual I knew personally.
Someone I once considered a friend and comrade, but no longer do.
They only have one goal in mind: to increase their own power and conquer the kingdom.
Then it is clear what they have in mind.
The Necronomicon—a forbidden book that could resurrect and control the dead. There are a lot of dead from the war from all sides. Humans, demons, and monsters; using their skeletons or corpses as an army is a great way to overwhelm us. In addition, we are still in the process of recovering from the losses of the war. If faced with that amount of undead, I'm not sure if we could take it or not.
"Alright, now, let's think about their strategies."
To invade the number one academy in this kingdom, they must have an ace up their sleeve and a large force. Luckily for them, the securities have gone downhill; a lot of resources were allocated to protect the kingdom, leaving it quite vulnerable to attack.
But to hold the entire school hostage is impossible; sooner or later, they will be wiped up.
So, the only possible answer is to attack some of the most important locations at the same time.
Despite their high potential and combat skills, the majority of the students are not warriors and are not fitted to kill and fight humans. In actual combat, they will be an easy target for highly organized and experienced scums.
"Hmm…" And there is another problem. A mole, only when a high-ranking mole leaked information and cooperated with their leader could they attack us.
I partly knew who it could be.
"Should I find them?" With a sigh, I considered that query. But only for a moment; I do not have time for that just yet; protecting the most crucial position should be my top priority.
All the other positions should be handled by the professors and students of this academy.
"Yes, there must be some casualty; saving everyone is impossible." I nodded my head and clenched my fist, swearing that I would kill the one responsible for this attack.
In my vulnerability, I had spared that trash bag once. However, they are no longer able to avoid death's grasp this time.
"I decided, let's ambush them at the secret basement." As I turned to face the basement, I let go of the mana in my body and activated my magic circus.
But just as I was starting to move, an obnoxious thorn suddenly popped up directly in front of my face. The mana of whom I had spared some days before was palpable to me.
"Finally found you!" That obnoxious voice rang behind my back, full of tiredness and urgency. He was breathing hard and vulgarly, just like a filthy dog.
Of course, just from hearing the voice, I could tell right away who it was. I nevertheless turned my eyes in that direction for dramatic effect and exclaimed with a low voice: "Renauld."
Right behind me was Renauld, the coward. He looked poor and had a rather unkempt appearance; his hair was disheveled; and he smelled like a stale dog in a cage.
"Please! I want to talk to you!" He yelled too loudly and remained as obnoxious as he had been that day, lacking any dignity or distinction.
Truly regretful. All his might has disappeared. Renauld has become more like a commoner.
He irritated me.
I wanted to chop off his head right now, but I refrained. Yesterday caused me to reconsider my role in the devastation of Rivia. Indeed, he played a part in its downfall, but I was still mostly to blame.
Killing him would make me a hypocrite.
And there is another reason: "How could he know where I was?"
My location is obscured by a line of clouds and sunlight, far out of human sight; to notice me is nearly impossible.
Not to mention that very few people would know that I am here today. Except for my family and some professors, no one should know that I go to school.
I also went to the academy by dashing through the high roof of the city's house. Ordinary people should not be able to identify me.
Because of this, he was extremely suspicious, and I should question him.
I therefore try not to lash out and conceal my murderous intent while pressing further.
"Tell me, Renauld, how would you know that I am here?" With my crimson mana leaking out, I pulled out Durandal and pointed it at him, threatening to thrust at any moment.
Looking at my fierce response, he stepped back and tried to utter some incoherent words as if he didn't think through and was trying to find an excuse.
Suspicious, extremely suspicious. That is when I also noticed something particular: Renauld didn't exist in any of those fragmented memories.
Strange to say the least. Peharp, if I reminded him of the fear of death, he would reveal something I was unaware of.
"Answer, or die." I pressed forward and charged up my blade, ready for an attack if he retaliated. I wouldn't kill him, but I didn't say that I wouldn't torture him either. If he kept shutting his mouth like that, then I would slice his legs off and knock him out.
Renauld's golden eyes clouded as he cowered in terror. His leg is weak and trembling visibly, like a frail woman—no, that would be a disservice to all the women I know; Renauld is less than a woman; he's a pussy.
So disappointed; you were never this fearful when we spared in the past. What happened to you? Renauld? What made you into such a loser like this?
This is this, and that is that. But this is too pathetic of him.
I rethought my decision; I didn't want to see that ignoble face anymore. It would be a tribute to his former self and a fitting end to his tale to kill him here.
Yes, after torturing him, I ought to do that.
And Renauld knew. He could see the pale flame in my eyes and knew that if he did not speak, I would kill him.
Thus, in a voice full of fear and hesitation, he stumbled and revealed a secret—a big secret:
"Hey, this might sound crazy, but... but I can see the future."