Chapter 67
Azek looked at the town gate.
They were departing today. The academy had issued clear instructions regarding their safety, so they had to leave without delay.
Dawn was near, but it was still dark.
Serbian, along with four professors, mounted the carriage with the students.
Parcival's body had been in Helen's custody since her arrival, and they couldn't bring it back with them.
However, the Zenya family had already been informed of his passing, as that couldn't be delayed.
Princess Lyana and the other two students didn't know the full details of his condition until after returning to town.
Later, the princess had a detailed discussion with Azek.
She still remembered his expression—it was filled with deep regret.
Azek had clearly wanted to save him if possible, but he had been forced to choose the worst possible option due to the circumstances.
He hadn't been able to sleep that night. The only way he coped was by keeping himself busy analyzing the events of the assault.
He looked at Parcival's belongings, and his thoughts became complicated.
Professor Serbian was a man of few words, but he still tried to comfort him.
"You only did the right thing. There's no need to think deeper. In the end, it comes down to the survival of humanity, and we have to make harsh choices."
Azek only nodded.
Genevieve's eyes were red. He had been close to Parcival since his first year, and now he had suddenly learned about his betrayal.
The entire situation was hard for him to digest. He had been hiding it well, but on the way back, seeing Parcival's belongings made all their memories come crashing back.
Professor Zain simply patted him on the back.
Emillien, on the other hand, showed little reaction.
Doris gestured to the coachman.
Magic knights were tasked with guarding the carriage through the halfway mark of their journey.
Helen stood atop the town wall.
She cast a double-layered defensive spell on the carriages before they began moving out.
As they grew smaller in the distance, almost becoming a dot, she conjured a thin thread of mana. It quickly expanded into a net that spread across the entire town.
All Magic Brigade personnel fell within its range, their positions clearly visible.
She scrutinized everyone, narrowing her eyes. There was still no movement—not even from the potential suspects.
She scoffed.
They had become truly cautious.
The carriage continued its journey, navigating through the forest.
A safe route had been prepared and kept secret until the last moment. It allowed them to bypass monster-heavy areas by taking a longer, roundabout path.
Even so, occasional monsters appeared, but they were dealt with swiftly. Black mana was completely erased to prevent attracting more.
Azek and Professor Serbian were responsible for this. Serbian refined his technique through direct observation and experimentation alongside Azek.
Crackle.
Crackle.
A fire burned in the middle of a clearing.
They had stopped for a short rest at night in a safe zone. The horses needed time to recover for the long journey ahead.
Azek added another log to the fire.
Fish were being grilled.
Princess Lyana sat beside him, watching a recorded lecture by Azek on mana command.
She had discussed the technique with him and asked questions throughout the journey.
Azek also felt somewhat better after talking with her—it helped take his mind off things.
He picked up the grilled fish and offered them to the princess and the others.
A small stream flowed a short distance from the clearing. The professors had caught the fish there.
Lyana took a bite and asked,
"What is your plan after graduation?"
Azek raised his brows.
"I haven't thought that far yet, Princess."
"I know, but I want a general idea. What do you want to do in the future?"
Azek paused.
"For now, I want to improve my magic and qualify for admission to the Magic Tower."
Lyana's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You have no plans to join the Royal Knight Brigade?"
He shook his head.
"I'm more interested in studying magic than fighting. Creating something new is more appealing."
She didn't press further.
After a moment, Azek asked,
"What about you, Princess?"
"Hmm?" Lyana raised her brows.
"What do you wish to do in the future?"
She looked surprised and remained silent for a while.
Azek thought he had overstepped and was about to apologize, but Lyana spoke first.
"No one has asked me that before. But since you have, I'll answer."
She straightened slightly.
"I want to achieve Grade 0 mastery in magic. That's why I've trained so diligently. I plan to apply to the Magic Tower and pursue that goal."
Azek studied her.
She had Grade 1 aptitude.
Yet she aimed for Grade 0 mastery.
"How do you plan to achieve that, Princess? Hard work alone won't change everything."
His tone came out sharper than before.
Lyana smiled.
"There's no harm in trying. And I have a perfect example of hard work right in front of me. It may not solve everything, but as long as I do my part, a path will eventually open."
Her answer was simple and sincere.
Azek smiled back.
"Then I'm sure you'll find your way, Princess."
Lyana's expression brightened.
She liked Azek and wished they could speak this casually more often, but her status made that difficult. Others often disappointed her when given even a little freedom.
But Azek Willowheart was different.
He was honest and direct without being disrespectful or dismissive of hierarchy.
That balance was rare.
He spoke plainly yet maintained proper distance—though he could be a bit cheeky at times. That, too, was part of his charm.
She lowered her gaze and continued eating, quietly listening to his recorded explanation.
By dawn, the fire had completely died out, and they resumed their journey.
Boom!
A sudden explosion jolted the carriage as one of its wheels became trapped in a hidden marsh.
The professors quickly stepped out and used magic to free it.
Grrrrrr…
Before they could resume, a low growl echoed from behind.
Everyone went on alert.