With Snow's command, everyone began gathering their mana.
They still didn't fully understand what was happening—why the elves would target them, or how the academy's systems had been cut off—but right now, none of that mattered.
The short silence between attacks was the only chance they had.
Even through the fear and confusion, they forced themselves to move, to focus.
The air around them began to hum faintly as threads of mana flickered to life, glowing faintly in the dark forest.
"Cough…! Cough…!"
Snow's weak voice broke through the quiet.
Black blood spilled from her lips, staining her pale skin as her body trembled in Janica's arms.
"You don't have to push yourself, Princess!" Janica said sharply, worry lacing her voice. "I—I'll gather enough mana for the both of us. You should rest and focus on recovering."
