"We should go now," I urged, breaking the tense silence that hung in the air. To my words, Euphemia gracefully rose from her resting position, offering a slight nod. Although her physical strength hadn''t fully recovered, the mana potion I had given her should have replenished her magical reserves considerably.


    "By the way, I''ve been meaning to ask, but... Why are you so calm despite the things happening right now?" Her question cut through the looming dangers that surrounded us, and I could sense her perplexity at my seemingly collected demeanor.


    "What do you mean by calm? Trust me, I''m anything but calm right now" "Why do you ask?"


    "Hmm... nothing. It''s just that, even though we''re in a very dangerous situation right now, you seem to have this firm demeanor that everything will be fine in the end. It just made me curious." Euphemia''s words hung in the air, revealing her curiosity about theposed facade I wore amid the chaos.


    A wry smile tugged at the corners of my lips.


    "Appearances can be deceiving"


    "It''s not that I''m calm; rather, it''s the focus on the next step that keeps me going. Panicking won''t change our circumstances. Besides, sometimes you need a bit of optimism to navigate through the storm."


    I couldn''t shake the feeling that Euphemia was growing suspicious. Despite my efforts to project an air of nonchnce, it seemed my act wasn''t fooling her entirely. I knew that in reality, nothing would truly happen to us; after all, I was the architect of this scenario. But conveying that assurance to Euphemia proved to be a challenge, especially when my carefully crafted nonchnce started to unravel under her watchful gaze.


    "Just like your appearance right now?" she asked teasingly.


    "Haha, as much as I want to say you''re right, unfortunately no," I responded with a wry smile, acknowledging her observation.


    "I''m just good at keeping my cool. Besides, do you want me to overreact to everything that''s happening right now? I mean, you yourself are reasonably calm also."


    "Well that because you—"


    "Because you—?"


    "Hah, nothing. Forget it," she interjected, her words trailing off as she redirected the conversation.


    "Let''s just hurry up and get out of here."


    She said in a fit as she avoided looking at the poor corpses on our sides.


    Although most of these bodies weren''t from the monsters but rather a result of natural deaths that urred in the alleyways of Estelle Academy, there were officers assigned to keep peace here, but they couldn''t possibly check every corner of the vast academy.


    These unfortunate individuals likely met their end due to crime, gang wars, or other violent encounters.


    Well, I didn''t really care. Ignoring them, I quickly followed the brisk pace of Euphemia, who walked fast while carefully avoiding eye contact with the lifeless bodies. It was quite unexpected for her character, seemingly mature and nonchnt, to disy such aversion, especially considering her penchant for experimenting with various things. I had assumed she would be desensitized to death by now.


    Nevertheless, I better pray.


    Though these individuals may not have added much value and offered little to no significance as sacrifices, it would still help cleanse these alleys. As the dark hands I summoned consumed the corpses, I whispered a silent prayer for their departed souls.


    ''Being on mom''s embrace is literally paradise''


    …..


    "Hah...!"


    I stifled a sigh as we continued through the treacherous alleys, my mind wrestling with a growing suspicion that had taken root.


    ''This guy has been awfully suspicious since he came to rescue me''


    At first, I thought my skepticism was just my nerves ying tricks on me. But as we made our way through the streets and into these narrow alleys, his demeanor started to rub me the wrong way.


    The way he nced at the monsters and dead bodies strewn around us – it was all the same, like he was looking at random rocks on the street.


    You know, the kind you wouldn''t even notice unless you took a moment to really focus on them. Sure, he''d react to things, but it felt like he only did so when I called something out.


    And there''s this strange convenience to the whole situation. Every problem we''ve run into, he seems to effortlessly solve. It''s almost too convenient, like all the messes we''ve stumbled into are just easily cleaned up by him.


    Although I couldn''t help but feel grateful for Adrian''s unexpected strength, it also left me puzzled. His prowess with a sword was extraordinary, and it wasn''t just some run-of-the-mill skill. Adrian hailed from the prestigious Tellus household, known for producing the Emperor''s swords and a duke renowned as a swordmaster.


    His bloodline alone hinted at his remarkable abilities.


    ''But since when was he this good with the sword?''


    Considering his family background, one might wonder why Adrian chose to enroll in the alchemy department.


    Seeing the things he was doing right in front of me it made me wonder.


    His talent with a sword was unquestionable, and he could easily have excelled in thebat-oriented disciplines.


    ''Yet why the Alchemy department?''


    It was a perplexing choice that begged for an exnation.


    Sure he was a bit better than me in terms of alchemy I''ll give him that, but it was still a weird choice to make from someone who came from a martial family.


    ''And why hide this talent in the first ce?''


    Even though I''m not someone well-versed in the intricacies of swordy orbat, I could still recognize a skilled swordsman when I saw one.


    Back in my hometown, I was personally responsible for selecting my knights.


    I knew the difference between those who were strong, those who were weak, and those who were considered extraordinary "geniuses" in the world ofbat.


    Adrian''s swordy undeniably fell into thetter category.


    Witnessing him effortlessly cut through monsters without even resorting to using aura was both astounding and, at times, unbelievable.


    His movements were precise, his strikes well-timed, and his mastery over the de was a testament to the exceptional training and natural talent he possessed.


    Yes…


    Even without being an expert in swordsmanship, I could recognize greatness when I saw it, and Adrian''s skills with the sword ced him among the elite, the kind of fighters one could rightfullybel as a "monster" in their own right.


    As Adrian effortlessly dealt with the random monsters appearing before us, a subtle twinge of doubt crept into my feelings, causing a ripple in the trust I had ced in him.


    His gaze, fixed on some unseen point ahead, hinted at a hidden anticipation that left me wondering. The desire to ask him what upied his thoughts warred with an unspoken fear of what his response might reveal.


    Even though I prided myself on being unrestrained in my actions, a peculiar restraint settled over me in Adrian''s presence. It felt like there was an unspoken weight, urging me to carefully consider my words and actions.


    I couldn''t quite put my finger on it, but the fear of disappointing him, of seeing disappointment etched across his face, lingered in my mind.


    I didn''t want to be the cause of any potential disillusionment, to see the trust we built slip away, or worse, to witness the possibility of him harboring resentment towards me.


    With my fists clenched, I tossed acidic potions to my right, the satisfying sizzle of monsters dissolving providing a brief distraction.


    ncing at Adrian''s back, a mix of emotions churned within me. In the chaos, a sense of reassurance flickered – he was here, protecting me.


    He had gone out of his way to save me, returning when he easily could have left me behind at Estelle Hall.


    Those doubts about his intentions, about his care for me, seemed trivial inparison to the tangible reality of his actions.


    Despite the chaos, I needed to let go of those unnecessary worries. Adrian was the one who stood by me, and that spoke louder than any suspicions.


    Doubting his sincerity felt like a betrayal, a betrayal of the trust he had shown ining back for me.


    Shaking off the troubled thoughts, I caught up with Adrian as we strolled through the alleys. His face, as ever, was expressionless – a mask that rarely revealed whaty beneath.


    Yet, amidst the constant chaos, there was aforting constancy to his presence, and my heart couldn''t help but acknowledge that.


    Badump…!


    Yup...


    Walking alongside him, the familiar rhythm of his unchanging expressions contrasted with the steady beat of my own heart.


    In this little moment, I embraced this weird situation of ours.


    ''There''s no way he would hurt me…''


    ….


    "Are you kids alright?" Bishop Austin inquired, his voice carrying a soothing tone as he slowly approached Bert and the other children. Kneeling down, he assessed their bodies, his hands emanating a gentle golden light that enveloped the kids before dissipating.


    "Looks like there''s nothing wrong with you guys," Bishop Austin reassured them, a genuine smile softening his weathered features. Despite not having much divine power left, he didn''t hesitate to use what remained to ensure the well-being of the children before him. The slums offered little kindness, and these innocent faces invoked a protective instinct in him.


    Pam''s innocent curiosity broke the momentary silence.


    "Who are you?" she asked, her head tilted with childlike wonder. The concept of a kind old man was foreign to them, given their encounters with disdainful adults in the unforgiving slums.


    Bam chimed in, "A priest?" The unfamiliarity of such benevolence left them both puzzled and intrigued.


    Contrary to their open curiosity, Bert''s gaze bore a vignt edge as he instinctively shielded his little sisters behind him. "What do you want from us?" he questioned, his tone revealing a wariness that had be second nature in their harsh surroundings.


    The reason Bert had allowed the Bishop to scan his sisters earlier was rooted in a subtle recognition. He sensed a familiarity in Bishop Austin''s power – a connection to the golden radiance he had experienced just moments ago.


    "Nothing, I just came here because I heard cries for help," Bishop Austin responded, his tone calm and reassuring, trying to dispel any tensions that lingered in the air.


    "Huh? Who called for your help, old man? And no one cried for help here! Just shut up and go!" Bert retorted, his fist clenched and positioned for a punch. The skepticism in Bert''s eyes bore witness to a life lived in the shadows, where trusting adults often led to exploitation and betrayal.


    Having faced deceit from those older than him throughout his entire life, Bert recognized the cunning nature of adults. Opening up one''s heart often became a vulnerability exploited for their own needs. Bert, fueled by a protective instinct for his sisters, was determined not to let them experience the hardships of such a life.


    Not even his beloved parents were that kind to him.


    "Quite the feisty one, aren''t you? Haha, you remind me of my daughter," Bishop Austin remarked, his gaze fixed on Bert, his smile gentle and understanding. He reached out to pat Bert''s head, a gesture of reassurance.


    "Don''t touch me, old man!" Bert recoiled, resisting the warmth that the gesture held.


    Bishop Austin, undeterred, chuckled at Bert''s response. "You did well, child. You protected your little sisters. Although, please stop calling me an old man. I''m not that old."


    "Stop patting my head, old man!"


    "To think I would find a prospect pdin here, was the goddess guiding me to save his life. If so, this child''s importance in the future is bound to be very significant," Bishop Austin thought as he continued to gently scrub Bert''s head. The golden glow in the child''s eyes did not escape the perceptive gaze of the experienced priest.


    "Uhm, grampa priest, do you know where the academy square is?" asked Litta innocently, her curiosity bubbling forth, blissfully ignoring her brother''s firm disapproval.


    "Don''t talk to him, Litta! How many times have I told you not to speak with strangers?" Bert interjected angrily, his protective instincts on high alert.


    "Yes, little one, just—"


    "SHUT UP!!! Don''t try and trick my little sister, old man. I know what kind of heinous ns are brewing inside your head right now," Bert snapped, abruptly halting Bishop Austin from speaking any further.


    "...


    "...…."


    "It seems the world hasn''t been so kind to you, child. The amount of scars and painful memories I see in your eyes is making me ashamed of myself. As an adult and a man blessed by the goddess, I offer you my sincerest apologies," Bishop Austin said, bowing his head in acknowledgment of Bert''s struggles.


    "Wha—? Hey, stop bowing!" Bert protested, bewildered by the unexpected gesture.


    "No, it''s the least I could do" Bishop Austin insisted, determined to convey his genuine remorse.


    Bert''s face reflected a mix of emotions as he observed his little sister''s disdainful re. He widened his eyes, as if silently asking, "What?" However, the unspoken message in their expressions was crystal clear.


    "Stop, stop, okay. You''re making me feel bad. Tsk, as an adult myself, I''ll ept your apology," Bert conceded, attempting to mask his genuine feelings with a facade of maturity.


    If not for his visibly short stature and youthful face, one might have believed him to be a full-grown adult, an impression shattered upon closer inspection of his physical capabilities alone.


    Witnessing Bert y the role of the responsible elder sibling, Bishop Austin couldn''t help but smile.


    However, the brief reprieve of light-hearted banter was abruptly shattered as a dreadful mana once again fueled Bishop Austin''s senses. Reacting swiftly, he covered the children''s heads with his hands and forced them to the ground.


    "Get down...!" he urged urgently.


    A shockwave rippled through the air as the wall behind them cracked, and blood-formed spears pierced through it. The abrupt attack caught them off guard, and Bishop Austin''s protective instincts kicked in just in time to shield the children from harm.


    "Tsk... I was hoping for a barbecue, though. You still have good sense, heh, Mr. Bishop," remarked thesciviously seductive woman who had orchestrated the attack.


    Dressed in a maid uniform, the vampire gazed at them with eyes full of pity and disdain. Three more blood spears floated ominously behind her, casting a chilling shadow over the unexpected confrontation.


    The blood rain around them seemed to intensify, responding to the vampire''s every word, as the acidity increased, making the atmosphere even more unbearable.


    "Vampire..."


    Bishop Austin mumbled, a word that hung heavily in the air.


    The children were stunned to hear the name of the highly regarded person in the holy world, Bishop Austin, uttered alongside the ominous word ''Vampire.'' In the lore of their time, vampires were the stuff of terrifying bedtime stories, creatures that once had their own hidden city and were notorious for their activities centuries ago. However, due to their long absence, they had be more of a legend, powerful undead beings relegated to the past.


    "Get behind me..."


    Bishop Austin''smand, though concise, carried an air of urgency. The children needed no further prompting; they immediately nodded in unison. Even the typically reckless and annoyed Bert understood the gravity of the situation. The beautifuldy in front of them exuded an aura of danger that sent shivers down his spine.


    "You… you''re quite cute, hmm~?" purred the vampire, her eyes fixated on Bert with a seductive glint.


    In an instant, Bishop Austin reacted, covering Bert''s eyes protectively as the boy blushed intensely under the vampire''s gaze. The atmosphere thickened with an eerie tension, and Bishop Austin wasted no time issuing a stern warning, "Don''t stare at its eyes."


    Bert nodded fervently, grateful for the guidance that brought him back to his senses. For a brief moment, he had felt a strangepulsion to draw closer to the vampire, a sensation that left him unnerved.


    "Though I''ve got to say I''m quite disappointed, Mr. Bishop. To think you would waste the opportunity I gave you to save these kids, haah... Now look where it got you," taunted the vampire, her voice carrying a mixture of disappointment and amusement.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll kill youst. As an adult, it''s your responsibility to watch them until the end, right kekeke? Oh, but that cute little boy gets to live~" she added, punctuating her words with a seductive lick of her tongue.


    Bishop Austin felt a surge of revulsion listening to the vampire''s words. Every fiber of his being yearned to bury the baton into her head, but he knew his strength paled inparison to hers.


    The most he could do was momentarily burn her with the holy relic, an action that would likely prove ineffective in the grand scheme of their confrontation. Evaluating the situation, he began considering passing the baton to the kids, providing them with a chance to escape the looming danger.


    However, before he could put his n into motion, the vampire abruptly unleashed three blood spears. Reacting swiftly, Bishop Austin cast a holy barrier, but it shattered under the force of the assault.


    Two of the spears found their mark, piercing through his shoulder and another into his already damaged leg. The painstakingly healed wounds began to reopen, though he counted himself lucky that the barrier deflected the one aimed at his heart.


    "Mhmm, how heroic of you, Mr. Bishop, risking your life for lowlives like this. Did seeing them give you a sense of purpose or responsibility now?" taunted the vampire, a hint of amusement evident in her voice.


    "Do I need a reason to protect children?" Bishop Austin responded sternly, determinationcing his voice despite the pain searing through his body. The children huddled behind him, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and gratitude


    "Hmm, no, not really?" the vampire questioned mockingly.


    "But really now, isn''t it a bit hypocritical for you to say that? You know, as you were part of the very society that ignored these poor kids in the first ce. Why pity them now? Fufu… Did seeing them in pain personally make your heart soften? Your disdain and the disgust you previously held for them?" she taunted, her voice dripping with mockery.


    Bishop Austin found himself at a loss for words, the weight of the vampire''s words sinking in. What she said was undeniably true. He, too, had been guilty of consistently ignoring the pleas of the children in the slums. Despite possessing the power to make a positive change in their lives, he had chosen to turn a blind eye, deeming them as nothing more than repugnant in his eyes.


    Now, faced with their suffering and the imminent danger they were in, Bishop couldn''t find a reason to refute the vampire''s usation. Did witnessing their pain personally soften his heart? Did it erase the disgust he once harbored for them?


    He didn''t have an immediate answer. All he knew in that crucial moment was that he had to protect them. Whether or not he had a reason, whether or not it was hypocritical, he understood the urgency of the situation. The children needed him now.


    ''This is bad I have no Divine power left''


    ''Please give these little one''s the chance to see the light once again dear goddess…''


    Seeing the resolve in Bishop Austin''s eyes, the vampire regarded him with a more serious re, the mocking tone fading away. In response, she conjured arger blood spear than usual, hinting at an esction in the impending confrontation.


    "Well, this is getting boring. I''ll make sure you get the best ending, at least," she dered before unleashing the spear.


    SWOOSH...!


    The blood spear sliced through the crimson-stained air, hurtling toward Austin''s head. Prepared for the inevitable, a nging sound echoed, reminiscent of metal colliding.


    To his astonishment, a young man with ck hair and an oddly shaped white sword appeared, blocking the blood spear at its edges.


    "Ha!" the man eximed, a scream of determination as he cut the blood spear in half, its direct force exploding into two behind them.


    Bishop Austin immediately recognized the young man. With his distinctive ck hair and ashen grey eyes, it was none other than Adrian Vulter Tellus, the man he detested the most – his daughter''s lover.


    Adrian stood before them, bravely intervening to save them from death''s impending embrace.