'Huh? What's happening?!'

Shivers run through my spine, and my eyes suddenly pry open.

I feel a sudden chill permeate every ounce of my being, and for a second, I am paralyzed, unable to move a single muscle. Something eerie, unmistakably awry, crawls through my skin like creeping insects.

The sensation jolts me awake, and I jump to my feet instantly.

Looking around my room, and all over my body, I see nothing of the creeping kind. I'm alone in here, so what was that feeling I just had?

Perhaps it's due to instinct, or pure coincidence, but my gaze slowly travels to my window.

I see that it is ajar.

'I forgot to close it…?' My thoughts trail as I approach it with mild drowsiness, though my eyes are already wide open now.

The first thing I notice about the world outside my window is how bright it is.

'Is it dawn already? Why is it so bright out?' I wonder to myself in silence. 'But the clock clearly says it's about midnight, though…'

Confusion courses through my mind, and since I still can't shake off the eerie sensation I had earlier, I cautiously approach the window to see what the issue is.

Then, I see it—

A blood-red pillar of light ascending to the heavens!

It ignites the skies, giving it the allure of dawn or perhaps breaking evening.

'What in the world… is that?' My eyes nearly bulge as I witness the fantastical sight. However, my questions quickly take a back seat once I realize something else almost at the same instant.

'That direction… Alaric Duskryn?!'

The last strand of sleepiness leaves me immediately, and I feel absurd strength rush through me.

I realize it immediately…

"Something must have gone wrong! Did he succeed in the end? If that's the case…" My lips quiver as I stare at the blood-red light once more, my heart thumping loudly at an absurd rate.

"Uncle Damon!"

Without wasting precious time, I hurriedly put on my boots and charge out of my room, not even sparing a second to change into something more appropriate. The unpleasant feeling within me that only keeps rising, and the fact that my uncle followed the officers to Alaric's residence, are sufficient to make me disregard everything else.

My feet clack against the polished floor as I descend the stairs, quickly heading to the dormitory's Supervising Officer's residence to alert him. At first, he was upset I interrupted his sleep, but after we stepped out and I showed him the bright lights, he became more overwhelmed by fright.

"Wake all the students and be on high alert! I need to report to Earl Balric!"

"W-wait! Y-you're just a student! You're not allowed to—!"

"My uncle is there! I need to make sure he is alright!" I snap at the officer and march forward, leaving my dormitory in a hurry.

"You—!"

"Make sure all the students are safe!"

After yelling out those words, I no longer turn back and simply dash in the direction of the tower of blood-red lights.

'Alaric Duskryn, what have you done?!' I can't help but think to myself, my breathing heavy and my eyes wide with sheer anxiety. Just one glance at the lights brings terror to my heart.

Because—

'This resembles the power of a Magivore!'

A Magivore that can affect the skies to such an extent is at least Cadre 3… perhaps even Cadre 4.

Such an existence is a threat to the entire Royal Academy.

'I have to hurry!' With my striped monochrome nightwear flapping against the midnight breeze, and my raven-black hair taking on some of the crimson hue, I do not falter in my steps and instead increase my speed.

Uncle Damon is not even a Low Rank Knight.

There's no way he can survive a Cadre 2 Magivore, not to mention a Cadre 3 one. Since Earl Balric Wolfshade is on the scene, I presume he'll be able to handle a Cadre 3 Magivore on his own.

But… a Cadre 4?!

That would be a completely different story entirely!

However, even a Cadre 4 Magivore—despite how frightening it is—still doesn't compare to the worst-case scenario.

'Did Alaric succeed? Has he become a Leviathan?!'

While I run ahead with these thoughts, I suddenly notice a silhouette charging towards me.

At first, I can't make out what it is, but the moment the creature comes closer… Its horrifying form immediately reveals itself.

Resembling a massive worm—no, more like a fat, fleshy pink maggot—the creature squirms on the ground, rapidly rushing in my direction. Its slimy body is filled with throbbing veins, and at the crown of its head is a weirdly shaped circular mouth.

Right as I identify it, this disgusting creature increases its pace and even leaps into the air.

Its circular maw expands, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.

The crimson light shines on it, reinforcing its ominous appearance while it dangerously closes the distance between us.

WHOOSH!

Swiftly twisting my body, I evade its descent and then use my feet to kick it with full strength.

Unsurprisingly, it flails away, unable to resist my strike.

I quickly realize that, despite its horrific appearance, it isn't all that powerful.

The creature is only about two to three feet tall, with its girth merely adding to its intimidation factor. In terms of strength, it is very weak, and it isn't very flexible either. Its greatest strength is its speed, but it isn't faster than I am.

The creature charges at me again, but I dodge its assault and kick it once more.

I am tempted to strangle it to death, but the creature is simply too disgusting, so I hesitate to touch it with my bare hands.

In the end, I stomp it to death, smashing its body with several kicks.

After pounding its body several times with my boots, it finally stops moving, leaking out a smelly green liquid from its body—absolutely revolting.

"Haa… haaa…!"

Right as I finish dispatching the creature, breathing heavily—not due to physical exhaustion, but simply out of exasperation—I notice something else approaching.

This time it isn't an oversized worm.

No, it's a man.

With a body covered in armor, having a weary expression on his face, he slowly approaches me atop his horse. Gooey blood continuously drips from his blade, and a grim expression dots his sullied face.

His gloomy features are further accentuated by the prevalent crimson color that echoes with anguish.

"You there! Are you one of the backup guards?" He yells out. "We're supposed to gather at the Inventory Room!"

Perhaps it's due to the crimson light obscuring his vision, or the leftover green blood that has stained my clothes, but the man mistakes me for one of the Academy's guards and not a student.

I do not attempt to correct him, though.

Instead, I nod.

"Come! I'll give you a ride!"

Nodding once more, I waste no time before climbing the back of his horse and following him to the Inventory Room. Luckily, he doesn't blurt out questions like "What unit are you from?" or "Why are you in your pajamas?" throughout our journey together.

I wouldn't know what to say in response.

After arriving in the Inventory Room, I immediately realize why he didn't bother with queries.

Looking around, I see all manner of people.

This includes students of all calibers, particularly those in the Bronze Wing.

I also spot a few members of High Nobility—most noticeably, Garron Starcrest. I can't help but wonder what the child of a Duke is doing outside when the Academy is facing such peril, but after remembering his exceptional combat prowess, all the doubts in my mind vanish.

This man is even more skilled than my father.

If he isn't qualified to be here, then more than half of us should not be present as well.

I also notice Jonathan Rudinger, Serena's cousin. He is standing right next to Prince Korrin, who is also present. In fact, he stands at a high pedestal, as the Deputy Head of the guards whispers into his ears.

Garron participating in this event is one thing, but to think the Prince is also joining in?

After looking around for a while, I am noticed by several students from the Bronze Wing. Many recognize me, and before long, they gather around my vicinity, their words forming hissing whispers that disturb my ears.

I try to listen to their conversations in an attempt to glean information, but I quickly realize that they know even less than I do. I suspect only the Prince is well aware of what is happening, and that's because he is being briefed at the moment.

Still, looking around me, I can't help but be stunned by the crowd.

'To think they enlisted a bulk of their forces from the Knight Households and are allowing so many students to participate. Is the situation that terrible?' I think for a moment before slapping my head in realization.

Of course, the situation is that terrible!

I was far away from the pillar of light earlier, yet a giant maggot attacked me.

That means the monsters are extending throughout the campus. The guards can't spread themselves too thin, especially since the cause of this disaster is still active, which means students from Knight Households will have to pitch in.

After analyzing the situation, I can very much understand the rationale of the Academy.

They made the right call in this situation.

The task isn't very dangerous, especially for those who have experienced some kind of training.

'The Maggot I faced is pretty much on the level of a Cadre 1 Magivore. It's very weak, and even an average person can defeat it with the help of an Armament or Potions.' I nod slowly, realizing why we are in the Inventory Room.

Everything has suddenly become clear to me.

"I will now be briefing you all on what is happening…" Prince Korrin suddenly speaks up, drawing everyone's attention in his direction. "An enemy has summoned a Cadre 4 Magivore on Academy grounds, and right now… it is rampaging in the far north of the Campus."

The moment Korrin starts with this statement, whispers erupt from the crowd.

"C-Cadre 4?! That's too high!"

"What else could have caused such a phenomenon? I suspected as much!"

"Do they want us to fight such an entity? That's practically suicide!"

"Are you dumb? Of course not!"

"Why would they ask us to do that? There's nothing we can do against something like a Cadre 4."

"But… the North? Isn't that the Staff Residence? Was this whole thing caused by a Professor?"

"Scary… this is too scary!"

I fold my arms and wait for Korrin's explanation to continue. It turns out most of these students truly don't know what's happening.

'The Bronze and Gold Wings were alerted first because they are in the Academy's western and eastern areas, respectively, which are closest to the Staff Residence. Plus, the Academy had to inform the Royals and uppermost High Nobility of the situation to keep them safe, while seeking backup from the Bronze Wing due to the abundance of students who come from Knight Households there…' I sigh and nod to myself, my brows creasing up in worry.

It all makes sense now.

The Silver Wing is the furthest from the Staff Residence, so we didn't receive the news on time.

Even when I left, no one had come to announce anything.

I suspect the guards have already spread themselves too thin, or they are currently facing more of those maggots. Since that's likely the case, I have an idea of what our mission ought to be.

"Your task is simple! You will be dispatched to various areas of the campus grounds and stop the tiny monsters that are appearing all over. Some of you will be taken to the student Wings, while the more capable ones will have to cover the perimeter around the Cadre 4 Magivore, which is exponentially more dangerous."

Of course, I'll be choosing the perimeter close to the Magivore.

I have to ensure my uncle is safe!

"Only the High Nobility present and a Royal like myself are allowed to wield High-Grade Armaments, especially on Campus, so we will be handling the perimeter affairs alongside the Mid-Rank Knights who serve as the Academy Guards. As for everyone else, you will be split into groups and will have to complete the tasks you are assigned to."

Sigh…

It turns out I won't be going to the perimeter, after all.

But, the logic makes sense, so I can't complain about it. Besides, if people like Korrin and Garron are handling the perimeter, I should expect good results. They're both stronger than I am, especially when I factor in the Armaments and Potions they have access to.

"To ensure your safety, the Academy will lend you two Armaments: one for attack, and one for defense. These will be given to everyone, regardless of their license. You will also each be given a Grade 2 Healing Potion in case of injuries. So do not worry, your safety is also paramount."

How generous!

I can feel the Academy's sincerity with the amount of resources they are pouring into this.

However, this also shows something more dire.

Desperation!

The Academy has gotten desperate!

'Just how bad are things over at the Staff Residence?' I can't help but wonder in dread.

I'll have to hurry with my assignment so I can find out!

************

"U-uarrrghhhh!!!"

Screams sharply rise in the air as several people are lifted by tendrils formed out of crimson light.

The bright tentacles pierce through them, sending searing hot pain through their powerless bodies as they are drained without mercy.

Their bodies quickly become mere husks, with all their blood depleted in an instant.

Once this process is complete, the corpses are discarded like useless rags, and the tendrils seek out new prey to consume. Like living branches on a verdant tree, there is an abundance of these absurdly large tendrils, all of which glow in ominous light.

More and more husks litter the ground as brave warriors clutch their weapons tight and confront death face-to-face.

Leading them is Balric Wolfshade, who appears disheveled despite being the most capable person around. Even his C Grade Armament and decades of experience are barely enough to keep up with the creature before him.

Puffs keep leaving his parted lips as he feels strength slowly leaving him. Loud ringing pierces his head, and his muscles groan under the pressure.

The side effects of consuming a lot of Potions have started getting to him.

He is unsure of how much longer he can last.

'Damnit…' Sweat falls from Balric's face as his blurry vision stares right in front of him.

There, he sees nothing short of devastation. Broken down houses and dilapidated structures scatter all over, forming a massive crater at the very middle.

And, existing inside that crater is an entity that cannot be called human nor beast.

It is a Magivore!

Cadre 4 Magivore—Flesh-Blood Tree of Rot!

Resembling a massive tree as large as a three-story building, it shoots a beam of red light into the sky, dyeing it in the color of blood. Its several branches turn into tendrils of light and continuously absorb blood to grow stronger and larger, while it deepens its roots into the earth.

The most peculiar thing about this tree is that it is made completely out of pinkish flesh, almost like an animal turned inside out.

It also releases several spores that turn into maggot-like monsters called Rot Worms.

For hours now, they have tried to contain this creature, but it has only gotten stronger over time, and its progress only seems to have improved. At first, Balric and his officers held a strong advantage, but now they realize they are not this entity's match.

Not only that, but its Rot Worms are rapidly propagating, spreading all over campus.

If this keeps up…

Despite all of these frightening aspects of this Magivore, something even more horrifying remains to be said about it. It… isn't natural. This isn't simply a beast with no reason following its natural instincts.

No, there are traces of intelligence emanating from this massive tree of flesh and blood.

All of it… is due to the man within.

"Haaa… haaa…" Balric Wolfshade's body quivers as he screams out. "Alaric, you bastard! Come out if you have the guts!!!"

Indeed!

This nightmare… this devastation… this unmistakably atrocious phenomenon is being caused by none other than Senior Professor Alaric Duskryn.

All the people who have been caught by the tentacles of light, having their very essence ripped out, have all suffered because of the man inside the tree. The longer this lasts, the stronger the Flesh-Blood Tree of Rot becomes.

And, the more powerful the Tree is, the stronger Alaric's ritual grows!

Stopping Alaric is the obvious solution, but he has hidden himself in a wall of flesh and blood.

Even with the aid of Armaments and Potions, they are barely able to hold onto their lives, only damaging the Tree. They are unable to completely defeat it.

"Everyone, back away from the light! We need to regroup! All forces retreat!"

In the end, even Balric has to step back.

The goal of stopping Alaric now has to be halted for everyone to recover their strength, and also to prevent the monster from growing stronger.

All of this chaos… this madness… everything has been caused by a single man.

Yet, he remains in a blissful dream.

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