Peace Hunter

"What did you say?!" Miss Violetta exclaimed in shock.

"A horde of demons has broken through the perimeter wall on the other side?" Miss Karina asked.

Just then, the sound of a loud crash and the screams of people rang out from behind Miss Karina and Miss Violetta, screams coming from within the academy grounds.

"It seems the demons that broke in have started attacking the people inside the academy. What should we do, Miss?" Miss Violetta asked.

Miss Karina fell silent, deep in thought. Yet, even as she pondered, she kept her eyes fixed on King Albert and the other demons standing before her. Moments later, she spoke again.

"The two of us must stay here to hold them back. As for the demons currently attacking, go and summon reinforcements from outside the academy. If necessary, call upon the students to help fight off the invaders. There are many important guests here right now; we must protect them, as they appear to be the very reason these demons are attacking the academy. Go, hurry," Miss Karina commanded the soldier who had delivered the report.

"Understood, Miss," the knight replied.

The knight immediately turned and ran back toward the academy grounds. As he fled, King Albert suddenly unleashed a long-range slash of Dark Magic aimed right at him. The attack hurtled toward the knight, but just before it could strike, a massive tree suddenly materialized to intercept it, shielding the knight from harm. That tree had been conjured by Miss Karina’s magic.

"I won't let you attack anyone other than the two of us," Miss Karina declared.

Afterward, King Albert, Duchess Harriet, Duchess Claret, Commander Marshall, Florian, and Princess Amelia surged forward once more toward Miss Karina and Miss Violetta.

"They're coming, Violetta. Since the academy is currently under attack by demons, we shouldn't just hold them off. We must defeat them and quickly move to help take down the other demons," said Miss Karina.

"Understood, Miss Karina. In that case, I’ll get serious about defeating them," replied Miss Violetta.

Miss Violetta then prepared to unleash one of her techniques.

~Flower Magic: Garden of Flowers~

A multitude of flowers suddenly sprang up all around the area. Miss Karina also prepared to unleash her own technique.

~Plant Magic: Wave of the Tree of Death~

Dozens of trees suddenly erupted from the ground around them. The trees writhed and twisted, then began to attack King Albert and the others. King Albert and his group immediately struck back, successfully slicing through and destroying the attacking trees. Yet, even as they destroyed them, more trees kept emerging in the immediate vicinity. While King Albert and the others were focused on the trees, Miss Karina and Miss Violetta swiftly launched a sword attack against them.

~Plant Sword Art: Sandbox's Resin Slash~

~Flower Sword Art: Sword Dance in the Flower Garden~

Miss Karina successfully struck King Albert, Princess Amelia, and Duchess Harriet with her attack, while Miss Violetta managed to strike Duchess Claret, Commander Marshall, and Florian.

-

Meanwhile, deeper within the academy grounds.

At the academy lake, knights and students could be seen battling the demons that were attacking the area. It wasn't just demons attacking the place; several people were also involved in the assault. A large hole and significant cracks were visible at a specific point on the academy's perimeter wall near the lake; these openings appeared to serve as entry points for the demons and the individuals participating in the attack.

Similarly, a large hole and cracks were found in the perimeter wall located behind the academy dormitories and the residential buildings for staff, faculty, and guests. Meanwhile, in the vicinity of the dormitories and staff quarters, academy guards and students were engaged in combat against the demons and the other attackers.

"Damn, there are so many of them. Why did they suddenly attack the academy?"

"This is just like what happened during the academy festival three years ago, when the academy was also attacked."

"That is true, but the scale of the attack this time is far greater than it was three years ago," the students remarked.

The knights and students continued to battle against the demons and the individuals who had joined in the assault on the academy.

"We apologize for having to call upon you for assistance; our numbers simply aren't sufficient to face them all alone," one of the knights said.

"There is no need to apologize, sir. As students of this academy, it is our duty to help whenever the academy comes under attack," replied one of the students.

The battle between the knights and students against the demons and their accomplices was fierce. The fighting raged across nearly the entire academy grounds, with the exception of the central building and the area around the main gate, where Miss Karina and Miss Violetta were located.

Meanwhile, several demons had managed to breach the academic buildings where the students usually studied. They forced their way through the lobby, overpowering the guards stationed there. They also broke in through the staff and faculty building, located on the opposite side of the complex. Once inside, the demons attempted to push toward the central building, but the knights guarding its perimeter managed to hold them back—at least for the time being.

-

At the academy's tournament arena.

Queen Kayana stood in the center of the arena, informing the crowd that the academy and indeed the entire San Fulgen Kingdom was under attack by a massive horde of demons and their human accomplices. As she delivered this news, the sounds of crashing impacts, explosions, and screams echoed from outside the arena. The noise seemed to surround them, filling the crowd with anxiety and fear.

"That is all I wished to convey. I hereby declare this academy tournament suspended for the time being. You are free to do as you please now; you may take shelter here, or you may go out and help fight the attackers," said Queen Kayana.

Following her words, some people in the area hurriedly left the tournament arena, while others remained behind. Queen Kayana then swiftly returned to her previous seat and immediately spoke to Commander Oliver.

"Sir Oliver, order some of your knights to assist in fighting the demons and the individuals attacking this academy. I realize your troops may currently be engaged with attackers elsewhere, but please make every effort to have them come and assist here," said Queen Kayana.

"Very well, Your Majesty," replied Sir Oliver.

He then immediately hurried to contact his knights.

"I, too, must deal with those who have attacked this academy," said Queen Kayana.

-

In the academy tournament participants' waiting room.

Upon hearing Queen Kayana's words, I immediately rose from my seat, preparing to leave the room. Seeing me get ready to depart, Charles promptly asked,

"Where are you going, Rid?"

"I’m going to help fight off the attackers assaulting the academy. As the current chairman of Elevrad, I can't just stand idly by while they attack this place," I replied.

"In that case, I'll come along to help," said Charles.

"Me too," added Chloe.

It wasn't just Charles and Chloe; Noa, Elaina, and Leandra also said they would join in. Irene didn't explicitly say she would help, but knowing her, she would certainly join the effort regardless.

"Alright then, let's go immediately to help fight the demons and the others involved in this attack. You all head to the staff quarters, the academy dormitories, the shopping area, the academy gardens, and the academy lake," I instructed.

"Understood. But where are you going, Rid?" asked Chloe.

"I'm heading to the academy gate; I sense some troublesome opponents over there," I said.

-

Back near the academy gate.

Miss Karina and Miss Violetta were still locked in combat with King Albert, Duchess Harriet, Duchess Claret, Commander Marshall, Florian, and Princess Amelia. The trees that had erupted from the ground via Miss Karina's magic were still thrashing about, attacking King Albert and the others. The area was also still filled with flowers conjured by Miss Violetta's magic.

Meanwhile, Miss Karina and Miss Violetta had clearly sustained several hits, leaving their bodies covered in wounds. King Albert and the others were in a similar state, bearing various injuries yet they continued their relentless assault on Miss Karina and Miss Violetta, seemingly oblivious to the pain of their own wounds. King Albert was currently unleashing a series of close-range sword strikes against Miss Karina, but she managed to parry every single one.

"I might be able to hold them off for now, but I can tell these blows are incredibly powerful. It’s only a matter of time before I can no longer withstand them."

"More importantly, Brother Albert... how did you end up transformed into a demon like this? I have to defeat you. I won't let you see Sister Kayana while you're in this demonic state," Miss Karina thought.

Following that, Miss Karina and King Albert engaged in a flurry of close-quarters sword strikes. Meanwhile, Miss Violetta was battling Princess Amelia.

"Amelia, wake up! Who turned you into a demon?" Miss Violetta demanded.

Princess Amelia remained silent, offering no answer to Miss Violetta's question. The two continued to clash with their respective weapons. Miss Karina focused on fighting King Albert while Miss Violetta focused on Princess Amelia; however, neither could fully concentrate on their opponents, as Duchess Harriet, Duchess Claret, Commander Marshall, and Florian kept interfering in the skirmishes.

After a period of intense combat, Miss Violetta and Miss Karina retreated a few paces toward the academy grounds, while King Albert and the others fell back toward the academy gates. All of them bore visible wounds.

"Just as we focus on fighting one demon, the others swoop in to help and disrupt the battle. It’s a real nuisance," Miss Violetta remarked.

"Agreed. If the other demons hadn't interfered, I’m certain I could have defeated King Albert in his demon form," Miss Karina added.

"I could certainly defeat Amelia, too. However, I am unsure if I could bring myself to kill her, as I still cannot believe she has transformed into a demon. There was no news of her being abducted or anything of the sort; she simply appeared suddenly, already transformed. I will never forgive the person who turned her into a demon, I will kill them," said Miss Violetta.

"You are right; there has been absolutely no news regarding Amelia being abducted. That stands in contrast to King Albert, Miss Claret, and Miss Harriet, who were previously reported missing from their residences, as well as Florian and Commander Marshall, who were abducted from San Sabaneta Prison. At least there was some news about them before it was discovered they had been turned into demons, but why is there no information whatsoever about Amelia?" asked Miss Karina.

Miss Karina fell silent, deep in thought. Moments later, she seemed to realize something; a look of shock crossed her face.

"Could it be...?" Miss Karina murmured.

-

Meanwhile, with King Albert and the others.

King Albert appeared to be preparing for an attack. He began channeling a significant amount of Dark Magic into his sword.

"All of you, stop playing around. Help me break through their lines," King Albert said in a flat, emotionless voice.

"Understood," replied Duchess Claret, Duchess Harriet, Florian, Commander Marshall, and Princess Amelia.

They spoke in equally flat, emotionless tones.

-

Back to Miss Karina and Miss Violetta...

"Could it be... Lord Remy is the one who transformed Amelia?" Miss Karina mused.

"What?! What did you just say, Miss?" Miss Violetta asked, startled.

"It is merely a thought of mine, given that there has been absolutely no news about Amelia all this time. Lord Remy never reported her missing or anything of the sort. But now that Amelia has reappeared transformed into a demon... isn't it natural for me to be suspicious of Duke Remy?" Miss Karina asked.

"Well, your reasoning makes sen—" Miss Violetta began.

Before Lady Violetta could finish her sentence, a tornado suddenly materialized right between them.

"A tornado?!" Miss Violetta exclaimed in shock.

"Quick, get out of the way before it grows any larger," Miss Karina urged.

Miss Violetta and Miss Karina immediately retreated from the spot where the tornado had appeared. The tornado slowly expanded until it was massive, beginning to pull in everything in the surrounding area.

"This tornado is incredibly powerful, who created it?" Miss Violetta asked.

"It looks like Florian's doing, considering he can wield Storm Magic," Miss Karina said.

"I’ve fought him before, but his magic wasn't this powerful back then," said Miss Violetta.

"Naturally, his magic has grown stronger now that he has transformed into a demon," said Miss Karina.

Miss Karina then glanced toward Florian, who was standing near the academy gates. Beside Florian were Duchess Harriet, Duchess Claret, Commander Marshall, and Princess Amelia, but King Albert was nowhere to be seen. Miss Karina was startled by this discovery.

"King Albert isn't there? Where has he gone?" Miss Karina asked in surprise.

She looked around and spotted King Albert dashing toward the academy's lobby building.

"King Albert is rushing toward the academy lobby. I’m not sure the knights stationed there can stop him. Violetta, let’s go after him," said Miss Karina.

"Understood, Miss," replied Miss Violetta.

Miss Karina and Miss Violetta immediately sped off in pursuit of King Albert. Although a massive tornado nearby was pulling in everything in its vicinity, it did nothing to slow them down. As she chased him, Miss Karina kept a close eye on King Albert; a pitch-black aura was visibly enveloping the sword he held.

"It looks like King Albert is planning something, we have to stop him, Violetta," said Miss Karina.

"Understood, Miss," replied Miss Violetta.

They continued their pursuit, eventually drawing close enough to almost catch up to King Albert. However, just as they were about to reach him, Duchess Claret and Duchess Harriet suddenly appeared beside them, poised to attack. Their sudden appearance took both ladies by surprise.

"Miss Claret and Miss Harriet? How did they get here already? Weren't they just by the academy gates?" Miss Karina thought, startled.

Duchess Claret immediately launched a kick imbued with Dark Magic at Miss Karina, while Duchess Harriet attacked Miss Violetta with a rapier similarly coated in Dark Magic. Although the sudden appearance of Duchess Harriet and Duchess Claret took them by surprise, Miss Karina and Miss Violetta swiftly parried the blows with their own swords. However, the moment the attacks connected with their swords, the force of the impact sent them both flying backward.

"What kind of attack is this? It's far more powerful than before. Were they holding back earlier?" Miss Karina wondered.

Miss Karina and Miss Violetta were hurled a great distance backward. Miss Karina seemed to realize where they were being thrown.

"Damn it, this trajectory is..." Miss Karina thought.

Miss Karina and Miss Violetta were being swept toward a massive tornado. They tried to halt their momentum but failed; the tornado's powerful pull made it impossible for them to stop. Ultimately, they were swept right into the vortex of the storm.

-

Meanwhile, King Albert was speeding toward the academy's lobby building. Upon arrival, he entered without hindrance, as the knights stationed at the entrance had already been defeated. He rushed straight through the lobby, exiting from the opposite side. Once outside, he came to a halt. Before him stood the academy's central building, surrounded by knights and students battling demons and the other assailants involved in the attack.

King Albert raised both hands, gripping a sword now shrouded in an intensely dark aura; it appeared he intended to strike the central building with his sword. After holding the sword aloft for a few moments, he prepared to swing. However, just as he began the motion, someone darted rapidly toward him and delivered a kick. Caught mid-swing, King Albert had no time to block the blow. The kick struck him squarely in the chest, sending him flying backward; he smashed through the wall of the lobby building and was hurled onto the road outside.

He then began to pick himself up, gazing back at the lobby building where the wall lay shattered from the impact of his collision. At the entrance of the academy's lobby building, a figure was seen walking out. Their form was initially obscured by the dust and smoke billowing from the spot where the lobby wall had been destroyed. Slowly, the figure became clearly visible as they emerged from the cloud of smoke enveloping them. It turned out to be Rid Archie.

Meanwhile, having just kicked King Albert, I immediately spoke to him.

"I never expected to meet the King or rather, the former King of this kingdom. That sword swing you were about to unleash was incredibly dangerous; it could have split the academy's central building right in two. Fortunately, I managed to stop you before you could execute the attack."

"You won't be able to launch that attack against the academy's central building now. If you want to carry it out, you'll have to get past me and defeat me first," I said, preparing to attack with my sword.

-To be continued

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