Aldomite and Elise made their way back toward the center of Almada, emerging from the ruined, secret passages of the Vault. Their path led them to where the inn had stood—now nothing more than a smoking, ruined crater of shattered timbers and smoldering stone. The sight was a profound shock; the scale of the betrayal and destruction was laid bare.
As they searched, calling out their friends' names—"Calvin! Lipton!"—the chaotic air drew attention. Low-tier demons, drawn by the scent of magic and survivors, shuffled from nearby alleys. Aldomite did not flinch. With a focused, divine calm, he dispatched the threats effortlessly. The creatures either vaporized or stumbled away, paralyzed by a silent wave of gold-tinged energy. He continued searching, ignoring the few frightened citizens peering out from shadowed doorways and windows.
It was Aldomite's familiar, Ikaros, who broke the silence. Having been sent high into the sky to search the battlefield, the bird-like familiar let out a sharp, unique cry. Guided by Ikaros's precise location, Aldomite led Elise to a collapsed portico several blocks away. Huddled beneath the rubble were a handful of their classmates—injured, terrified, and drained. Elise rushed to them, her presence a balm of immediate relief. "It's alright, we're here," she whispered, immediately pouring her raw healing magic into the worst wounds. The recovered students cried out their relief, their faces streaked with tears and grime.
After Elise's swift treatment, the recovered students joined the search. They had only covered little ground before a thunderous explosion and the rapid, metallic clang of battle ripped through the air a few streets over. They sped toward the noise with desperate urgency.
What they found was a staggering sight: a furious battle between Calvin and Professor Desmond.
Previously, as Desmond and Hector had engaged the students, Felix had wisely decided to lead a group of younger students out of Almada, seeking safety near the North Gate. But Calvin, unable to forgive the traitors for their merciless actions and the likely death of their friends, chased after the professors. Lipton, ever the loyal strategist, followed to provide essential backup.
They approached the two traitors, but Hector quickly departed, sneering, "I'll take this much core to my family. Bring these two when you're done," leaving Desmond to carry out the executions.
Calvin attacked first, his voice raw with anguish. "I won't let you get away with everything you have done, Desmond!" Their blades clashed, but Desmond, a seasoned professional, stood calm, a sneer plastered on his face. Lipton joined the fray, and the two students fought with the tactics and discipline of well-trained knights, not with brute force. Lipton, a master strategist, ensured their coordinated attacks were precise, yet they barely fazed Desmond, who seemed to be toying with them. "Bring it on! Is that all you can offer?" Desmond laughed, provoking them relentlessly.
Lipton used strategic magic and maneuvers until he managed a decisive sneak attack. Desmond, surprised by the sudden, clever strike, suffered a few painful cuts. "Now you would take us seriously, right Professor Desmond?" Lipton taunted.
The professor's playfulness instantly vanished. He moved with immense, blinding speed and struck Lipton, cutting him deeply. As Desmond prepared to land the second, killing blow, the entire city violently vibrated—an immense tremor caused by the cosmic collision of Death Omega Arabatogon and Divine Aldomite in the Secret Vault below.
The massive vibration saved Lipton. He stumbled free just as Calvin landed a stunning straight attack on the momentarily distracted Desmond. Calvin quickly grabbed the injured Lipton and dragged him into a nearby alley. Desperate for help, he was approached by an old woman who invited them inside. Though suspicious, Calvin trusted her immediately when she showed him an old, worn-out Adventurer's card that carried a knight emblem on it. He laid Lipton down, and the woman began tending to his severe wound.
Desmond, his murderous intent now absolute, tracked them by Lipton's dripping blood and scent. Noticing the house, he prepared to strike. Calvin, knowing Lipton needed time, volunteered himself as bait. "Be careful, friend," Lipton murmured, heavily breathing, as Calvin nodded and left, the old lady assuring him Lipton was in good hands.
Calvin drew Desmond's attention elsewhere, resuming the fight. This time, he used a mana potion and summoned his familiar, launching a pure, intense combination attack. The fight was pure and intense, but Desmond began hurling traumatic insults about their friends, until he mentioned Aldomite and Lipton, boasting of his plan to kill them both after he finished Calvin.
"Don't you ever talk about my brothers like that again!" Calvin roared, his voice breaking.
His power surged with such fury that a look of pure bloodlust washed over his face. He and his familiar, supported by her magic, attacked as a perfect, unstoppable duo. Their blades clashed in flashes, a battle of raw speed and concentration. The professor could not believe a mere cadet was overpowering his years of training. He bounced back, bleeding out, humiliated and furious.
As the sun began to rise, Desmond saw Aldomite, Elise, and the other students watching. The sight of Aldomite—who should have been dead—incensed him further. Refusing to accept defeat, he desperately pulled a pouch from his belt, consuming a piece of Demonic flesh.
His aura turned pitch black. He lost control, transforming into a monstrous creature with fangs, sharp teeth, horns, and a tail. He became a nightmarish beast.
Everyone was terrified. Aldomite, sensing the immense, malignant presence, rushed forward. The transformed Desmond charged Calvin, but Calvin's familiar threw herself in the path, taking the full blow and sending her flying. Calvin, stunned by the horrific impact, froze. "This feeling resembled that one," he murmured, recalling the oppressive power of Arabatogon, as Desmond prepared the killing blow.
In a flash, Aldomite intervened. He grabbed Desmond's monstrous hand and, with casual, immense force, hurled the professor into a nearby building, which crumbled upon impact.
Calvin stood frozen. "Is that you, Aldomite?" he asked, shocked.
Aldomite smiled, the yellow light around him receding slightly. "Glad I made it here on time, eh Calvin?"
Relieved and overjoyed, the other students rushed to Calvin. "Thank goodness you're here, Aldomite," he sighed. Elise immediately began healing him, praising his incredible bravery. Calvin's familiar, recovering, flew back to him for a warm, protective embrace.
Sensing Desmond stirring in the rubble, the familiar insisted on joining Aldomite in the fight. Aldomite refused the offer, smiling confidently as he told her to stay by Calvin's side. Calvin, watching the sheer, easy confidence of his friend, had a fleeting thought: Aldomite might actually be a real God. But Aldomite's goofy smile made him doubt the idea just as quickly.
chapter 12: DESMOND TEARS.