WebNovels

Chapter 76 - Interlude-The Black Moth

At the southern yard of Vanguard Academy.

Two rookies gasping for air.

Yes, they were my rookies.

Addison clutched her knees. "Sir Thalamik… are you sure this is my mom's training? I feel like my bones are melting." Her face appeared as if it were out of oxygen.

Momoka, with white eyes, collapsed beside her. "Melting? Wow! Mine had already evaporated…"

I crossed my arms. "You two wanted strength, didn't you?"

They nodded weakly.

"Then do Hale's regimen exactly as she wrote and taught me."

Addison's eyes twitched. "But here in Mom's notes says 'optional second lap.' We already did three—"

I slammed the clipboard. CLACK!

"No buts! Just do! If Hale sees you both saying buts, your butts would have been beaten to a pulp!"

They both froze at my remark.

Momoka puffed her cheeks. "I don't even know who she is, but you sound exactly like her!"

"Good," I said. "Now hear me! Hale once punched a golem into gravel with her bare hands. You think she would think that it is okay for her direct student to train people gently?"

The girls exchanged glances of mutual suffering.

I paced in front of them like an inspector. "Next phase. Weighted push-ups. One hundred."

Momoka flailed her arms. "A hundred?! Master Thalamik! Even my tail is tired!"

"Then I expect your tail to get stronger. And that IT SHOULD GET STRONGER."

They started again.

Both Addison and Momoka groan painfully. But I know they could handle it.

After the fifty push-ups, Momoka's voice cracked. "Master Thalamik, if I die, please tell my fiancé's ghost that I—"

"Save the drama for cooldown," I said. "Fifty left."

Addison's arms trembled. "I swear… I feel like Mom is probably possessing you right now.:

"She is. She is always inside my heart," I said, standing over them with my arms crossed. "That's how important Hale was to me, being the best that I am."

For a while, only the sound of effort filled the yard.Then, laughter.

Addison started chuckling mid-push-up. The lethargy nearly made her lose her sanity. "You know… Now that I think about it, Mom would've yelled even louder."Momoka nodded. "Maybe even would've thrown a chair."I smiled faintly. "Then I'm merciful angel."

They both glared up at me with identical tired eyes. "YOU'RE A DEMON!"

"WHY DID YOU STOP DOING THE SETS!" I said.

"Sorry, Instructor!"

They both finished the push-ups and got up panting.

"Good. Now—run another lap."

Their screams echoed through the yard.

"NOOOO!"

I chuckled as they jogged away, still bickering, still determined.

This was precisely what Hale wanted.

The point of this regimen is to train the mind to be clear in high-pressure situations when your brain is too tired.

Not the perfection of what the exercise you do, but the persistence.

"Don't slow down!" I shouted. "If Hale could see you now, she'd be punching me for being soft!"

Addison and Momoka yelled back, "SIR YES SIR!"

"GOOD TO HEAR!"

Their synchronized groans were music.

***

In the evening breeze, the training yard is finally quiet.There were two exhausted girls and one not-so-tired instructor.

Addison flopped onto the bench. "I am so... tired..."

Momoka dropped beside her, waving a towel like a white flag. "Please. No more push-ups."

I looked at both of them. "Good news. You both survived another day."

Addison lifted a finger weakly. "Barely."

"Which means," I said, handing them each a handmade voucher slip, "reward time. You can go anywhere you want until curfew."

The voucher only says 'Thalamik will buy you any meal you want'.

Their eyes instantly lit up—like kids.

Addison sprang up first. "Crepes. I want crepes. With strawberries. And chocolate. And more chocolate."

Momoka clapped her hands. "Ice cream for me! The double scoop one from Lupache Robbins!"

I sighed. "You two really fight like soldiers and eat like children."

Addison grinned. "I am still young technically."

"Fair point, Addison." I smiled. "But after Hale's program," I muttered. "You will be veterans."

We walked down the city's east path.

The sun had turned gold.

Students milled around, laughter and chatter everywhere.

Momoka skipped ahead, her fox tail bouncing with each step. "Master Thalamik, you're coming too, right?"

"I'm supervising," I said. "Can't have my trainees collapsing mid-dessert."

Addison elbowed me lightly. "Why do I feel that it's an excuse for you wanting sweets too, huh?"

"No evidence, dear trainees!"

She smirked. "You totally want crepes."

We reached a food stall shaped like a tiny cottage.

Steam, sugar, and butter filled the air.

Addison leaned forward with sparkles in her eyes.

"One strawberry-choco crepe, extra whip!" she told the vendor.

Momoka pointed to the next stand. "Two double scoops—mango and matcha!"

I stood there, arms crossed, pretending to be unmoved by the smell of warm batter and sweet cream.

This reminds me a lot of my outings with Raymed and Carmilla.

Addison turned. "You sure you don't want any, Instructor?"

"No. Sugar dulls reflexes." I said.

Momoka handed me her spare spoon. "Liar. You looked at that cone for five seconds straight."

"…Fine. One bite."

They both gasped dramatically."Mark the day!" Addison said. "Thalamik the Fiend Kaiser finally accepts dessert even though he was supposed to be a role model of a perfect soldier to train us!"

I glared. "Say that louder and I'll add fifty burpees tomorrow."

They burst into laughter.

We found a bench near the city fountain.

The night lights flickered on, casting gold across the water.

Addison munched on her crepe with blissful eyes. "You know… this feels nice. Mom would've liked this routine."

I looked at her. "Yeah. She definitely would've scolded me for being too soft, then bought everyone cake anyway."

Momoka smiled softly, licking her ice cream. "I never met her, but I can tell she was someone strong but also very soft inside."

"She was," I said. "And also terrifying."

Addison chuckled. "That's accurate."

A small silence appeared between us.

Addison looked at her half-finished crepe. "Hey, Thalamik. Do you think Mom… would've been proud?"

I answered without hesitation. "Yes. She'd be yelling about your form, but she'd be proud while doing it."

Addison smiled quietly. "Then I'll keep doing my push-ups."

Momoka grinned. "And I'll keep running till I collapse!"

I raised a brow. "I see... then you both just volunteered for tomorrow's extra set."

They screamed in unison, "NOOOO!"

I couldn't help it—I laughed.

"Relax," I said. "No extra set tomorrow."

They exhaled in relief.

"…Unless you talk back again."

"SIR THALAMIK!"

"MASTER THALAMIK!"

Their voices echoed through the courtyard.Evening turned to laughter.

And for a brief moment, the world felt lighter.

***

Two months of Hale's program.

No one collapsed anymore.

Addison stood tall. Her physical strength had finally reached an optimal level.

While Momoka...

Momoka stood wobbly. A Progress. Sort of.

"Alright," I said, clapping my hands. "Today, we will shift the day pure to only magic control. Physical training continues tomorrow."

Addison stretched her arms. "Finally! My muscles were starting to file a complaint."

Momoka raised her hand like a nervous student. "U-uh… I've been practicing too, Master."

I nodded. "Good. Let's start with basic offensive spells."

We lined up near the practice dummies.

"Addison," I said, "focus your Kai on both arms. Channel to Level Two."

She closed her eyes, mana aura flaring around her. Her breathing synchronized, steady.

Then—FWOOM!The ground cracked slightly beneath her feet.

Her aura pulsed clean and sharp, red veins of energy tracing across her arms.

"Nice work, Addison," I said. "Keep up the good work."

She smiled proudly. "Thanks, Instructor. Kai Level Two feels more stable now."

"Good. You'll use it sparingly in battle, or your tendons will riot."

"Duly noted."

I turned to Momoka. "Alright. Your turn. Offensive magic—anything. Impress me."

She gulped, stepping forward with a determined face. "Yes, Master!"

She raised her hands, mana forming a small glowing orb.

"Fireball!"

…A spark popped.The dummy remained untouched.

She tried again. "Lightning Bolt!"

ZZZP!A static shock zapped her own ear.

Addison snorted, trying not to laugh. "Did you just electrocute yourself?"

Momoka puffed her cheeks. "It's called self-learning!"

I pinched my temple. "Momoka… somehow I feel you are unteachable."

Her ears drooped instantly. "That's harsh!"

"Harsh but accurate," I said flatly. "You can use barrier magic, healing, enhancement—anything except offense. Why?"

She shrugged helplessly. "Maybe my mana doesn't like violence?"

Does her mana really not want her to use violence?

Does that mean Mana in itself, which it is some particle...

Has sentience?

Addison chimed in, still stretching her arms. "That's actually cute. She's the anti-offense mage."

"Attention! Okay stop talking."

Both froze.

I sighed. "Alright, enough banter. Momoka, we'll rework your mana flow. Instead of forcing output, try shaping. Focus on precision, not on the sheer scale of effect."

She blinked. "So… imagine the mana as… strings?"

"Exactly. Thin strings you can pluck or cut. You control vibration, not detonation."

Addison crossed her arms. "That sounds like music training."

"Mana Control is perhaps like rhythm," I said. 

After a few hours.

Momoka managed to produce a small, clean pulse of force that nudged the dummy by one centimeter.

She jumped around with joy. "I hit it! I actually hit it!"

Addison clapped sarcastically. "At this rate, you'll kill mosquitoes by next month."

"Still progress!"

By sunset, Addison was running Kai drills with perfect form, her aura flaring in red waves.

Momoka practiced shaping her mana into spheres with a focused face, occasionally burning her sleeve but refusing to quit.

I watched them both in silence. Until I saw the time.

"Alright," I said, calling out. "That's enough for today."

Addison stretched. "Crepes again?"Momoka perked up. "Ice cream?"

I gave them a slight nod. "Fine."

***

At the end of that month...

Momoka stood at the range, a faint flame flickering in her palm.She breathed in, steady and deliberate.

"Alright," I said. "Let's see your new adjusted technique."

She smiled. "This time… it'll work."

Her mana is condensed into a glowing kunai—shimmering orange, humming with restrained fire.She threw it.

SHNK—BOOM!

The dummy burst into flames.A perfect hit.

Addison whistled. "Well, that's one way to turn self-defense into offense."

Momoka puffed her chest. "I call it Elemental Kunai. Any magic I can't control directly—I seal it into a kunai and throw it."

I nodded, impressed. "A simple, clever workaround. You finally made your mana obey your commands."

Addison jogged forward, her Kai aura flickering reddishly.

She'd been holding it steady for over ten minutes—sweat running down her neck, but still focused.

But I noticed the level of her Kai is...

"Still Level Two?" I asked.

She nodded. "Yeah. I can't push to Level Three without losing control."

"Then don't," I said. "Perfect Level Two first. Duration is power too."

Addison grinned. "Got it, Instructor."

Momoka wiped her forehead. "You know, Addison, you could just learn my Kunai method."

Addison flexed her arm. "And you could try lifting weights heavier than a broom."

"Hey!"

"Attention!!"

They froze. Again.

I sighed. "Good progress for today. Addison, further your control. Momoka as well. Both of you need to remember discipline. With enough discipline, then you could hope to rival me in combat."

They saluted dramatically. "Yes, sir!"

I turned away, hiding a faint smile.

The training yard glowed in the orange sunset. The air smelled of burnt straw and fried mana. For once, no disasters, no screaming. Just steady work.

I walked back to the bench, checking Hale's old manual.

A person then appeared, handing me a letter. "Mr. Thalamik this is from Director Diko!" As he handed me the letter opened it. 

++

TO: SPECIAL AUDITOR THALAMIKSUBJECT: PRELIMINARY MANDATORY SPARRING – ARTIFACT WAR SELECTION

All registered teams and candidates under the Hero Program are required to attend the pre-selection sparring trial. Attendance is mandatory. Failure to participate will result in disqualification from the Artifact War entry.

-Principal Celathis

++

I folded the letter slowly.

Addison noticed my expression. "Bad news?"

"Not bad," I said. 

Momoka tilted her head. "Something about us?"

I looked at her. Then at Addison. Both standing tall under the setting sun—sweaty, smiling, alive.

"Mandatory sparring before the Artifact War," I said. "Everyone who wants to compete must join."

Addison's eyes lit up. "A chance to show off, huh?"Momoka spun her kunai, grinning. "Then I'll crush them."

I chuckled under my breath. 

Then I faced Momoka squarely. "I believe you are ready now."

Her ears perked up. "Really?"

I nodded once. "You found your own path to both offense and defense, that's more than enough."

Addison pumped a fist. "Then it's settled. Momoka and Thalamik is joining."

Momoka cheered. "Let's win this!"

I turned to face the field one last time before dusk.Wind carried the scent of charred dummies and determination.

"Prepare yourself," I said. "The competition would likely be filled with strong opponents don't take this sparring contest lightly."

They both nodded.

***

Morning bells.Vanguard Academy grounds—crowded, loud, alive.

The preliminary sparring for Artifact War had begun.Every mentor. Every student. Every rising name was here.

Sky Piercing Cobalt stood across the field with his disciple, both glowing in azure mana.

Oryba the Twinkle Snake coiled nearby, blades in his lower hands, scales gleaming.

Istar, the Ethereal Spirit, hovered gracefully above her mentee, veil fluttering.

Thierus, the Gallant, stoic as always, stood arms folded—his student calm beside him.

It felt like a reunion of the battle from when we fought Vepar.

Addison tugged her jacket beside me at the viewing line. "Still can't believe I'm sitting out."

"Until you are a student, you can't compete. But I bet you can already win against most of the people here." I said.

She puffed her cheeks. "Still hurts to hear it, Instructor."

"Truth often does."

Then the crowd stirred.

Whispers rippled through the audience.

Momoka entered the arena.

She wore a red-and-white miko-style combat dress. Short-sleeved, reinforced with light armor into the hem. A holster of kunai lined her thighs like talismans.

Her fox tail flicked once, confidence radiating.

The rules of the competition were simple.

1. They will fight in an arena that is decided. A barrier shields the audience, judges, and referees.

2. Winning conditions will be Knock Out, Referee Stop, Surrender, or Lethal Stab.

3. No one can interfere with the match. Will result in the termination of the battle.

Addison grinned. "She actually pulled off the shrine maiden look."

I nodded. "If she wins, she earns dinner."

Round One: Oryba's mentee.A reptilian hybrid with twin daggers.The battle wasn't even close. It ended in 15 minutes. Momoka ducked under his strike, threw a fire kunai—FLASH!—fireburst and knockout.

Round Two: Sky Piercing Cobalt's mentee.A wind specialist, fast but predictable.

The battle was intermediate. It ended in 25 minutes. Momoka needed time to adjust to her opponents moveset. As she figured it out, Momoka countered midair. She threw her lightning kunai, turning into a lightning spear—ZAAAP!—instant down.

Round Three: Istar's mentee.Illusions and charm magic.

This was the hard one. Momoka has a few close calls here, particularly because she relies on her sight. But Istar's mentee kept making clones to trick her, causing her to waste mana. But she finally calmed down and shut her eyes. She began to feel around for real mana flow, and threw three kunai blindly. One kunai was a water kunai that was thrown into the ground of the battlefield, drenching everyone there. One Kunai was the wind kunai that was thrown upward but activated when it was going downward. This made the air pressure cause everyone to hit the ground and got drenched. Then Momoka's final kunai also fell because of the air pressure from the second kunai. The kunai was a lightning kunai. Just as it hit the ground, Momoka leaped to the sky, evading the electrocution.

The crowd cheered.

Round Four: Thierus's mentee.A heavy-shield human knight. Unexpectedly, this was the easiest opponent. She ended it in 5 minutes.

She used momentum—threw an Earth Kunai at his feet.

BOOM!—ground erupted and shield shattered. After that she spammed fire kunai.

And so Momoka had Four wins. I am very proud of her.

I watched quietly from the sideline. "She is the strongest here probably."

Addison pumped a fist. "She's on fire!"

But I was wrong.

Then came Linon.A dark elf with silver hair tied high and eyes too cold for her age.

Her weapon—a curved blade, blackened.

"Linon, disciple of Isval Il Opache," the announcer declared.

The entire field fell quiet.

Even Addison beside me muttered, "Oh no. She seems strong..."

I didn't answer. I just watched.

The bell rang. Round has started.

Linon blurred forward, her motion sharper than most.

Momoka barely parried the first strike with a conjured kunai.

CLANG! Sparks flew.

Another slash followed, then another.

Linon was relentless—fluid, cruel, precise.

Her mana overflowing an aura hissed like smoke.

Momoka threw three kunai in quick sequence—Fire, Lightning, Wind.

Linon twisted, deflecting the first, shattering the second, sidestepping the third.

Then she closed the distance, kicking Momoka in the ribs.

THUD!

Momoka hit the ground, coughing.

Linon smirked. "Is that all, fox girl?"

Momoka pushed up, trembling. "Not yet!"

She flicked two more kunai—one embedded into the soil, bursting into a smoke screen. She dashed left, vanishing into it.

For a moment, silence. Then—

SLICE!

The smoke split in two. Linon emerged, unscathed, dragging Momoka out by her tail.

The crowd gasped.

"Let go—!" Momoka yelled in pain.

Linon yanked hard, spinning her by the tail and slamming her into the dirt.

THUD!

Dust rose.

Addison flinched beside me. "She's using her tail against her… that's not allowed, right?"I clenched my jaw. "It's 'unsportsmanlike,' not illegal. Yet."

In the arena, Linon planted a heel on Momoka's back.

"KUAA!!!!" Momoka screamed.

"You think you belong here?" she hissed. "You think some half-blood furball can stand beside elves? What a joke."

She yanked Momoka's hair, forcing her to look up.

Blood dripped down Momoka's lip.

"You should be serving tea, not wielding magic."

Momoka's voice shook. "I—I worked for this… Go fuck yourself."

Linon kicked her side again. THUD.

"Oh yeah, and as long as I don't stab you, the battle would never be over, right? I'll be sure to enjoy beating you up." Linon said.

Addison stood halfway out of her seat. "That's enough—"

"Stay," I ordered. "Not yet."

But who am I kidding? My rage is filling up my heart.

Momoka staggered up, coughing dust, kunai still trembling in her hand.

"Fire Kunai!"

She threw it—desperate, raw.

Linon dodged easily, stepping in.

"Too slow."

Her blade flashed. It sliced through Momoka's sleeve, leaving a red line across her arm.

Momoka screamed but didn't back down.

Linon purposely grazed and did not stab her, not to end the competition.

She hurled three kunai—wind, lightning, water—her signature combo that she used before.

Linon spun her sword like a dancer, cutting each one before detonation.

The explosions flared harmlessly in the air.

Momoka panted, her hair disheveled, dress torn.

Linon strolled toward her. "Pathetic. You fight like a pet pretending to be human."

Momoka's tail fluffed up in anger. "Shut up!"

"Touchy."

Linon grabbed her tail again—hard.

Momoka screamed. "LET GO!"

"Make me."

She dragged her backward, spun, and threw her into the ground again. CRACK.

The arena floor splintered.The audience murmured in discomfort now; even other students looked uneasy.

Linon raised her sword, its black aura pulsing.

"I'll put you out of your misery."

Momoka tried to lift a kunai—her last one.

Her hands shook too much.

Her eyes met mine for a second—wide, desperate, like asking if she'd failed.

Then Linon stepped forward—ready to strike.

I... can't watch...

***

The crowd erupted when Linon's sword pressed against Momoka's throat.

The match was already one-sided—more cruelty than combat.

Momoka's tail was bruised, her uniform torn, her hand trembling as she reached for her last kunai.

Her voice was gone; all that came out was a small, broken breath.

Linon smirked, stepping forward, savoring it.

"Stay down, demi-human. You're nothing but a mascot trying to act human."

She raised her sword high. "Bless your spirit."

Then—

CRACK.

A thunderclap split the air.

A shockwave rippled through the arena, knocking the dust and banners aside.

A punch landed on Linon's cheek, and that punch was enough to produce a horrific sound of a crack.

Linon's body flew across the stage before anyone saw who hit her.

When the haze cleared, Thalamik stood there, one fist smoking with red mana.

The audience gasped.

A few of the elven audience shouted.

"Thalamik?! He interfered!""That's not allowed! He's her mentor!""Unsportsmanlike!"

The announcer's voice shook, "A-a violation has occurred! Special Auditor Thalamik has entered the arena—! By default, the judges have decided that Momoka is disqualified!"

Thalamik ignored every word.He knelt beside Momoka, his expression cold.

Her eyes fluttered open. "Master…"He said nothing. He just lifted her gently into his arms.

The crowd's jeers grew louder.

"Coward!""She lost fair and square!""He's ruining the duel!"

Thalamik walked forward, steps slow and deliberate.

Then a voice cut through the noise—calm, sharp, commanding.

"Yo. Fiend Kaiser Thalamik."

It was Isval Il Opache, standing from the stands, arms crossed. His hair gleamed under the sun.

"If you walk away like that," Isval said, "You've breached the duel. She should've known what it means to walk the path of a Hero—it is life or death. Not only that, my mentee, who was supposed to fight again, is now unconscious. How are you gonna take care of this?"

The field went silent.

Thalamik stopped walking.

Then, slowly, he turned his head, a faint, dangerous smile curling on his lips.

"Then how about this?" he said, voice low. "After I get Momoka to the infirmary… let's have a battle royale. Instead. The purpose is to show how strong we are right?"

His eyes glowed fiery with red mana."I can take one versus a hundred—if you all want to test your power."

The crowd gasped.

Isval's eyes narrowed. "Very well. I like that. Judges and Refs how about it?"

The judges and refs looked to Principal Celathis who was also there watching. She gave them a thumbs-up.

"WOW! WHAT A TURN OF EVENTS! NOW WE WILL START A BATTLE ROYALE!"

The crowd went wild in excitement.

Thalamik walked away—carrying Momoka in silence.

Ten minutes later.

Thalamik walked to the arena. He asked, "What are the rules refs?"

"It is the same as before! But, since we know you're specialty is necromancy. We have allowed its use up to 20 fiends only." The referee said.

Thalamik looked at Celathis with confidence before facing Isval.

Then—

BOOM.

A blast of mana pressure rolled through the academy grounds.

Thalamik unleashed his aura.

He stepped onto the field, coat unbuttoned, expression flat and unreadable.

Every step cracked the dirt beneath him.

Without a word, he raised his hand, palm open, gesturing to the entire crowd— like saying Come on.

The challenge was clear.

Isval appeared first, flanked with his gang making them ten.

Without hesitation. They surrounded him.

Then they charged.

"No, Thalamik?" Isval asked.

"It's funny to think that at my level I need fiends to fight you clowns." His eyes were fiery with blue mana.

"ATTACK!"

The ground shook. Mana flared.

But before the first strike landed—

Everything stopped.

Invisible force exploded outward from Thalamik's right hand, freezing everyone mid-swing.

A transparent mana field shimmered around him— like a dome controlled by a single gesture.

The audience could only stare.

Then—FLICK!

Thalamik flicked his fingers.

The field pulsed.

Every attacker was blown back at once—launched across the arena like dolls.

THUD! THUD! THUD!

The dust settled.

None could stand.

"What the hell was that?" Isval asked.

"Lesson One: Mana control is everything."

He didn't stop there.

He took one step and disappeared.

He stepped toward Isval's gang—one by one—grabbing them by the neck, slamming them to the ground. As the impact of the slam made them float, he strikes their gut and disarms them before kicking them away to the side.

Each hit landed with surgical precision, every motion calculated.

No wasted mana, no wasted movement.

"Lesson Two: Speed decides who gets to attack."

He didn't summon weapons.He fought barehanded.His attacks were so controlled that it looked like he was teaching everyone mid-battle.

The crowd was silent now—watching the Fiend Kaiser move like an executioner.

Only Isval remained.

"I see you are a very dedicated instructor. Teaching me classes in the midst of a duel!" Isval laughed.

They clashed in center field.

Isval swung with blinding speed, his elven rapier singing with mana light.

Thalamik raised his hand.

A mana sphere appeared, orbiting his arm. Then it turned into his shield.

He parried with it—fluid, unnatural—redirecting every thrust.

The fight turned into a blur.

With a short pivot, Thalamik twisted his body and slammed a punch into Isval's chest.

"Lesson Three: Talent is no match for Hard Work"

The elf flew backward, crashing to the ground.

Isval's sword clattered away.

One hit and everything was done.

Thalamik didn't even look winded.

He began stretching his body again, looking to see if anyone would want to join in.

Then from the opposite end of the arena, familiar voices called out.

"Impressive as always, Fiend Kaiser."

It was Sky Piercing Cobalt, stepping forward with Thierus, Istar, and Oryba at his side.

Cobalt raised his blade in salute. "We mean no ill will. It's just rare to have this kind of sparring event. Will you accept us?"

Thalamik looked at them, smiled faintly, and gestured with his hand."Come."

With that the battle started again.

Cobalt struck first, his sword trailing wind and lightning.

Oryba's serpentine speed followed.

Istar's ethereal arms reached for him, and Thierus launched a sword strike.

Thalamik moved with precise grace—his shield spell flickering into existence mid-motion.

Each blow collided against his barrier like thunder on glass.

CRACK. BOOM. SNAP.

For minutes, they traded blows, the audience breathless.

As the four combo-ed him over and over again.

Finally, the barrier cracked and shattered.

At that point, Thalamik launched himself away to regain his composure.

He exhaled sharply, his mana dispersing into the wind.

He was panting—just a little.

He flicked his finger.

An undead fiend materialized beside him, dual-wielding daggers.

Thalamik caught them mid-air, coating each in a blue glow.

He adjusted his stance.

Cobalt lunged.

Their blades met—CLANG!—

Thalamik summoned a new shield at the point of contact, redirecting the impact energy into himself.

"Perfect Counter," he whispered.

The absorbed force pulsed through his arm.

He twisted his body fluidly—one continuous motion—and struck Cobalt in the chest, sending him sprawling unconscious.

The others attacked in panic, but Thalamik repeated the same motion again and again—counter, absorb, release.

Each hit was a lesson in mana control, not power.

Within moments, all four were down.

Fourteen opponents.

All defeated.

The crowd didn't cheer.

They just stared—caught between awe and fear.

Then Thalamik flicked his finger again. 

Momoka then quickly appeared, jumping into the arena. She didn't use a portal; she just moved here rapidly. Her training in the Hale Program have strengthened her recovery ability.

She looked at him, ready.

He nodded toward the fallen combatants. "Heal them."

Despite her bruises, Momoka obeyed. Her hands glowed, sealing wounds—even on Isval's gang.

As the last of the injured rose, Thalamik took a mic from the announcer's stand.

His voice was steady.

"I am sorry for the way I acted," he began. "True, I may have seemed driven by ego. But that's not my goal."

He looked around—at the field, at the broken weapons, at the people who had called him names moments ago.

"What I truly want is to be a Hero—like my friend, Raymed."

He turned toward Momoka, who was still healing others.

"So first and foremost, I will protect the people important to me."

He raised his voice. "But as long as I'm here, I will protect everyone—with my utmost strength. As I, too, aspire to be a hero who gives out hope. And I am willing to make amends for my actions."

Silence again.

Thalamik walked to Isval and extended a hand.

The elf looked at him as if not believing what he was seeing.

Thalamik looked at him unwaveringly.

Isval slowly moved his hand, smirking faintly, and accepted it.

"Not half bad, Thalamik," Isval said.

Thalamik smiled in return. "But, please educate your mentee, though." He turned a frown.

"Hahaha. I will." Isval said.

As he began to leave, one voice shouted—

"THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK UNTIL THIS DAY, KAISER!"

Another followed. "WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR DEEDS!"

Then hundreds joined. The sound became a tide of gratitude and relief.

The applause scattered.

Then more.

Even the judges stood.

For once, the crowd didn't jeer.

He didn't respond. He just walked away with the same unreadable face.

Momoka limped beside him, her tail swaying weakly. "They're cheering for you, Master."

Addison smiled tiredly. "Guess they finally realized you're not a villain."

Thalamik exhaled. "Took them long enough."

They passed through the academy's main gate under the evening sun.

The air was warm. Peaceful. Almost normal.

Addison tugged his sleeve. "Instructor, can we get crepes again?"

Momoka raised her hand. "Ice cream! Quatro scoop this time!"

He gave a small sigh. "You two are insatiable."

Addison giggled. "You love us though!"

"…No comment."

They walked toward the city stalls, laughter echoing faintly against the stone walls.

***

The smell of sugar and batter filled the air.

Momoka and Addison ran ahead to pick their favorites.

I stayed behind for a bit, my steps slower.

Every time the day ended like this, I thought maybe peace was real.

Maybe we could rest.

But memories don't stay buried forever.

As I walked, I remembered—

-~

The corridors of Vanguard Academy were alive with laughter.

The Graduation party was still going, but it was almost over. It was the time when I was so bruised up that I needed to have change of clothes. It was when I saw them.

I was on my way back to my room when I saw them—

Raymed and Derashina were standing near the window of the dormitory corridor.

They didn't see me. I stayed hidden, listening.

Derashina's voice trembled.

"I don't know how to tell you this. Mr. Raymed. But as your... I mean... What I meant to say... is that you should know something!"

"Okay. Let's hear it. I am all ears and there's no on here."

Wrong again, Raymed.

"The Demi-Human world is fracturing. A person named Raumstar. A politician her movement is spreading faster than anyone can stop."

Raymed frowned. "Raumstar… a politician?"

She nodded. "She's convincing people that the Sea Clans should rule. She says because most of Earth is ocean, they're the rightful leaders of the Demi-Humans."

Raymed's tone darkened. "That'll tear everything apart."

"It already is," Derashina said. "Borreas is in Africa trying to keep peace, but there are uprisings. The coastal groups are attacking inland communities. It's chaos."

Her voice cracked. "And I'm scared, Mr. Raymed. Raumstar isn't after just the Demi-Humans—he's redirecting their hatred. The next target will be other races. My intel says… Indonexta will be hit first."

Indonexta?

Our home.

You've got to be kidding me.

Derashina's tears fell. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what to do. I'm just—sorry."

Raymed placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "Don't apologize. I'll find a way to stop it."

She blinked through her tears. "How?"

"We unite," he said simply. "You, me, everyone who still believes in peace. I can't do this alone. So please—help me keep the demi-humans from falling into a spiral of uncontrollable war again."

Derashina sobbed quietly, nodding. "…I will."

"Now let's get back to the party. Oh, here's a handkerchief." Raymed said before they both walked to the venue again. Then both of them got seen by the crowd walking together, exiting the dormitory building. Now the reporters will have something to talk about.

I remember walking away then, heart heavy.

Another war.

Another face of peace is cracking open.

Even now, the echo of Raymed's promise haunted me.Because no matter how much I trained, I couldn't stop politics.

-~

"Thalamik, hurry up!" Addison waved from the stall.

Momoka was already holding a cone and a crepe. "I bought yours too!"

I snapped back to reality. I forced a small smile and walked over. "You two really think sugar is a reward for trauma, huh?"

Momoka grinned. "Absolutely."

Addison nodded. "A sweet tooth is proof of survival."

I was about to reply when a loud tone rang from the plaza's central screen.

BREAKING NEWS!!

Everyone turned.

The broadcast showed the symbol of the Mermaid Kingdom.

"This just in.... The Mermaid Princess Derashina.....

.

.

.

My eyes widened as I saw the text headline.

.

.

.

"Has been confirmed dead."

It will all come spiraling down—our peace.

"Cause of death: long-term poisoning. The forensics team had deduced that the poison had been administered approximately seven months ago."

The ice cream fell from Momoka's hand.

Addison froze mid-bite.

"No…" Momoka whispered. "But... she… she was fine…"

I stared at the screen.

The reporter's words blurred into noise.

Seven months ago.

The time was exactly at Raymed and Carmilla's graduation party.

No... it must've been a setup.

She'd already been dying when she spoke to Raymed.

Then realization hit like a spear. Raumstar.

That bitch....

I gritted my teeth.

She had never sought unity.

She played her—fed her fear, made her tell Raymed everything.

And when she died, the blame would shift perfectly onto humanity.

I felt my chest tighten.

The cheers from earlier echoed faintly in my head—now distant, hollow.

Momoka looked at me, eyes wide. "Master…?"

Addison's voice cracked. "Thalamik, what's wrong?"

I didn't answer.

I just stared at the screen—at the breaking headline, at the start of something we thought would never return.

Because I understood, now.

Derashina hadn't delivered intel freely. Raumstar had planted it, and her death was the spark he needed.

This wasn't the end of peace. It was the start of something far worse.

Then a woman wearing a black dress spoke, "This turn of events saddened me. Princess Derashina was a very important person in our Demi-Human Society. Her death will be investigated until there are no more loose ends. No matter what race it is. We of Demi-Human Society will follow through with our judgment. Those who stand in our way will face the might of Demi-Humans. Mark my words."

"There you have it, a testimony from the leader of the investigation team, Ms. Raumstar."

I can't believe that in times when peace is needed.

A black moth appeared.

Raumstar's eyes shined evoking a sense of fear within me.

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