Chapter 109: Don’t Blame Yourself

Director Vincent signed some documents inside his office and after feeling some footsteps, on the other side of the entrance, he waved his hand, opening the door with his magic.

Professor Miller, who couldn’t even touch the door, walked in with a half-smile to have the door opened for him.

“Come to complain about the tournament participation or the new exchange students?” Director Vincent asked, raising his gaze.

Professor Miller’s lips twitched at that question.

Mostly, he was coming to complain and although it sounded bad, in reality, Professor Miller was one of the few who could complain about some of his decisions.

Since in reality he had reported both issues in advance, it was more of a joke than some negative comment.

“I came to ask about the report of the students who went to the Aurora mercenary group. They didn’t give it to me,” Professor Miller said, looking at the Director closely.

The students would send in their reports of how their internship went.

It was a personal report where they gave opinions of the place or person for whom they worked for a month, at the same time they had to give a complete report of the missions they had carried out and what they did during that month.

The students’ opinions would serve to classify the places where they had gone and to verify if those places were still trustworthy.

However, they would also receive a report of where the students had gone.

Whether it was a guild, a mercenary group, or a hero, they would send the history of their students’ work, their comments, notes, and criticisms to evaluate the students.

At the end, they would send advice for improvement or sometimes notes on what area the academy should specialize the students in.

This system served to verify the process the students went through and review their attitudes during the internship and, most important of all, the perspective of both groups.

Professor Miller had checked all the reports of the students in the combat class and in the end, he did not find the report of the students who went to Aurora’s group and the strangest thing was that his entire group, including Aurora and Alice, were approved.

“Do you think I’m giving her concessions?” Director Vincent asked curiously.

One could see it that way.

That duo could go to their same mercenary guild and was left in charge of several students.

That meant they could give herself their notes.

“No. I just want to know what the students did and what they improved on.” Replied Professor Miller sincerely.

At this point, he wasn’t eager to complain, and all he felt was curious about the seemingly unfamiliar group.

“I took care of those reports myself and I didn’t want to pass it on to you because maybe you might get upset,” Director Vincent commented, and touching his holographic watch, he sent some documents and added. “They are confidential documents from Zerzura. Try not to talk about them.”

Professor Miller’s interest skyrocketed as he heard those words and...

“They accompanied a group of refugees and faced a ‘wave of creatures’ and an ambush by a powerful S-Rank beast?” Professor Miller asked incredulously and as he read on, his expression trembled all over and he muttered. “Were they the ones who stopped General Kavuri and the Warlord the Somali Terror?”

His expression trembled, and he didn’t know how to react.

Aurora and Alice, as the heads of a group of mercenaries, were the ones who carried out the assault mission, which was tasked with arresting an S-Rank Warlord.

Perhaps the news did not have that much impact in Atlantis City. However, as some newscasts related Zerzura City to the Apicius Enterprise, inevitably, such issues would be reported.

Still, he did not expect Aurora and Alice to have led that mission, and he least expected that the five students who joined the group also took part in the missions.

They may not have fought head-on against an S-Rank, but any conflict with a recognized warlord could not be treated as a joke.

Unlike some underworld criminals in the cities who were careful not to get caught by the authorities, Warlords didn’t mess around.

“Unfortunately, it is not possible to record the Assault mission in their records, at least for now. However, in their records, you find that they performed the Ark mission and dozens of ‘daily missions’, as Zerzura City calls it,” narrated Director Vincent, and smiling with some glee, he added. “I have to admit, it’s an excellent record for the students.”

In Zerzura, the authorities classified the Assault mission as confidential, as they sought to prevent people from realizing the identity of those who took part.

It was already a big concession for him to be briefed by the students and for Vincent; it was likely that Aurora had taken it upon herself to do so.

Although that important mission was sidelined by confidentiality, it was another matter for the Ark mission.

A few years ago, Zerzura City had carried out such missions throughout most of Africa and anyone who was a little knowledgeable about the city would recognize it as a weighty mission.

And while some of the daily missions were small rookie jobs, among those missions there was one or two that had some relevance.

The experience that the group gained was superior to what other groups could get, and it was likely that those students had fought a greater number of creatures than any other student in their same year.

Professor Miller was silent, not knowing how to react.

“The first time I heard about them, I was surprised, too.” Director Vincent said, and smiling calmly, he added. “They are more than they seem. You have to give them that.”

It was one matter to hear stories about two young women who stood out and a different matter to see them with his own eyes.

It was natural for him to be surprised the first time he heard stories about such a capable duo, and if it weren’t because he himself had hired them to work for him, he would have been hesitant.

Noting that Professor Miller was curious about what he was referring to, Vincent put down his pen.

“Edward, my apprentice, was under her command a few years ago. During that time he told me some details, but it wasn’t too in-depth,” detailed Director Vincent and calmly, he explained. “It was only when they joined the academy that I realized that perhaps my apprentice wasn’t lying.”

Director Vincent was an SS-ranked mage, and like any excellent mage, he had a superb apprentice.

Edward was the apprentice’s name, and he was a young man who, years ago, was so talented, he became extremely arrogant.

Arrogant enough to waste his talent for magic, believing that he needed nothing to learn.

Since during those years the world situation was questionable with conflicts with demons, his acquaintance recommended that he send Edward, with her daughters, to work in a safe place.

Although Edward did not tell her the details of what he did, when he returned, he changed and became more focused.

Enough to want to keep learning and in the end, he became the skilled S-rank Archimage he was today.

Vincent considered his apprentice’s talent to cause the breakthrough and didn’t ask too many questions about who he worked for, but now he realized that seeing two young ladies surely spurred him not to fall behind.

“I underestimated them too much, Professor Miller muttered honestly.

He had assumed that Aurora and Alice were part of a small, unknown mercenary group, carrying out simple jobs.

While his perspective changed when they caught the demon that nearly led to the death of his students, he still continued to think that they were at the academy to learn, or at least, he assumed that maybe he could help them improve.

Now he was wrong, as they had got Clémentine promoted in rank.

“Don’t blame yourself. They never came here to learn,” Director Vincent replied and calmly, he added. “And now they’re not here for that either.”

Now their mission differed from when they started the academy.

******

Aurora looked at her protection subjects.

Cithrel Elamaris Falion, Princess of the Falion Empire, as well as Princess of the Lunar Empire of Terra nova.

While the Falion Empire was one of the largest and most powerful, the Lunar Empire was no slouch.

The young woman was a genuine princess.

From the aura she emanated, to the smile she wore, to the courtesy with which she spoke, not to mention her appearance.

She was a young elf in her twenties, with bright blue eyes and long blue hair, common among moon elves, only with a more intense and shining color.

She wore a comfortable yet elegant dress, which covered her figure that could only be considered spellbinding.

Elves were naturally handsome, or, to put it another way, their features were quite attractive. However, Cithrel took it to another level and stole the breath of the students.

Dozens of students who approached surrounded that woman and that smiling princess was answering all the curious questions of the earthlings.

“You’re a half-elf, aren’t you?” A young female student asked with undeniable curiosity in her eyes.

Ask the race and it was a question that could be rude and not everyone knew about that courtesy with Terranovian.

Which caused that young woman to be looked at pointedly by other students, but the princess gave a smile full of reassurance.

“Yes. My father is a Terra nova human and my mother is a moon elf,” Cithrel replied with a unique cordiality, calming those who sought to accuse her companion of being rude.

Aurora was no expert on the general culture of the Terranovian, but as someone who had an acquaintance from that world, she learned a little.

In some societies, ‘half-breeds’ were frowned upon and were considered outcasts.

Elves were a race whose life expectancy was too high, and they were generally very conservative, so there was probably that kind of elf on Terra nova.

However, Cithrel responded with pride for her ancestry and, inevitably, she would be proud of who her parents were.

Her father was the Emperor of the Falion Empire, which was considered the most powerful empire in Terra nova and whose dynasty was known for its lineage, whose potential for magic was limitless.

As if that were not enough, she was the daughter of the Empress of the Lunar Empire, an elven empire of par excellence.

That woman was as beautiful as any elf, and the only thing that differentiated her from the pure-blooded elves was the length of her ears.

Anyone could tell the difference when looking at the princess’ companion, Venali Virsalor.

An elf with longer ears and, although different, a beauty that was not lost on the princess.

He had an androgynous appearance and was a slender young man, who was undoubtedly considered handsome.

That he had a sword sheathed at his waist and showed a certain seriousness, emanating a cold and silent atmosphere, further captivated the young female students of the academy.

“...”

Aurora observed both individuals from afar.

Actually, Cithrel was getting along well with the students and since this was the first day, classes would start later.

That reason was why Cithrel was surrounded by so many enthusiastic young girls wanting to learn more about a real princess from another world and although there were a few young men with the confidence to try to initiate conversation with that princess, not all of them succeeded.

And then there were all the other students who lingered in the assembly hall, watching from afar both Terranovian, lost in beauty.

There were some celebrities from Terra nova, however, it wasn’t every day they got to talk to an elf, who was also the princess of an important empire.

It didn’t matter if some disliked foreigners from Terra nova or disliked the Falion Empire, no one could ignore the beauty of that duo.

And that Cithrel was so friendly to converse with others led to many being attracted.

A bright and soulful flower, she attracted all present by her aura alone.

“She’s good at making friends,” Aurora murmured, looking at that bright young girl.

She would not deny that she admired the other party’s beauty as well, but she had to emphasize the charm and charisma that the princess had.

Exchange students were popular, however, exchange students who came from another world and were of another race certainly took the popularity prize.

And that Cithrel was so nice took that popularity to extra levels.

“She’s a princess of a mega empire. It’s normal for her to have charisma. And she can think everyone is a peasant who disgusts her, and at the same time she gives a smile. She must have experience in the subject,” Alice replied with an indifferent tone and when Aurora gave her a look, she shrugged and added. “This academy must be child’s play for her and more so compared to what it must be like to live in the imperial court of such an extensive empire.”

Alice was making it clear that the entire performance could be fake, and Aurora couldn’t help but give her a strange look.

Was it because of the movies about Terra nova that mostly treated the Imperial Court as a nest of vipers? Those movies were quite popular nowadays.

Some told the story of princes and princesses who had to learn to lie, cheat and smile at their worst enemy, without showing their expressions.

Aurora perceived, however, that the manner with which Alice gave her remark was not strange.

“Don’t you like ‘nobility’?” Aurora asked curiously.

Alice wasn’t pointing out that Cithrel could be fake or a good actress, but that as a noble, the possibility of her having to act was high.

She was likely to see more real acting from Venali, who was literally silent, keeping all those who approached away.

Aurora remembered in her childhood that when talking about Terra nova, some people wished to be kings, emperors, princes, and princesses, but in Alice’s case, it was not that way.

“...” Alice ate her chips as if she had been discovered.

Did the movies create a bad image in Alice’s mind? From her lack of response, it was possible that she didn’t hate the nobility, though she certainly thought poorly of them.

Although it was a strange matter when there was no reason to think ill of nobles, since they never encountered such individuals or were in places where nobility predominated.

Even if they visited places where nobility predominated, it was mainly royalty and they did not get involved in such matters.

That Alice didn’t care about politics or ideology made the matter stranger and Aurora laughed, wondering if it was some movie or book that gave her sister that image.

“Try not to fight. We’re on a mission,” Aurora said and winking at her, she added. “I don’t think you wish to fail Urfin, or I doubt he’ll take your food orders again.”

It was always nice to learn something from her sister and although it wasn’t necessary to remind Alice of the matter, by the look on her face when she heard her last words, Aurora knew she would act professionally.

Alice was not someone who would cause trouble when it came to important matters, and even less so for important matters involving food.

Ignoring as Alice nodded with a look full of professionalism, Aurora’s expression quivered, and her gaze redirected to Cithrel and Venali, who were approaching where they stood.

Leading to Aurora deactivating the artifact that kept their conversation hidden.

“Sorry for not introducing myself in due time,” Cithrel said and with a smile, she saluted elegantly and after introducing herself, she commented. “We will be in your care.”

A charming voice and a slight bow that showed unique manners.

Eyes were already on her since they left the previous group and since the artifact was not active, the voice of that princess was heard throughout the assembly hall.

There was no surprise, but rather envy at the opportunity to approach the princess and her escort, and Aurora guessed no one imagined that they were both bodyguards for the duo.

The reason was simple...

“Never mind,” Aurora replied, shaking hands and with a smile, she added. “We will be in charge of guiding you and helping you during your stay at the academy. As a job given by the director himself, we will take it pleasantly.”

Officially, Director Vincent gave a job so that they could be the students in charge of introducing the exchange students.

Thus hiding the fact that they were both actually here as backup bodyguards.

It was necessary to maintain some security and secret bodyguards, who were not on the records, were always welcome and that Director Vincent was in charge of that issue, evidenced that he was aware of the job.

In this case, Cithrel was waving and introducing herself, knowing that both were the people in charge of the job of protecting her.

“Thank you. Anyway, we have plenty of time to get to know each other,” Cithrel commented with a friendly smile.

That was the truth.

Aurora herself had to arrange the ins and outs of the protection and talk it over with her so that there would be no inconvenience when she carried out her job.

She could carry out protection in hiding from her, but Aurora wanted to be straightforward.

Knowing instinctively that she was unlikely to hide from two Terranovian.

Chapter 110: She was...

In one classroom of the Academy of Heroes, Professor Santulli with a solemn expression spoke.

“In today’s world we can meet several churches of gods from other worlds, not all of those gods work for the salvation of humanity or for its progress, some have other objectives.” Professor Santulli said, and looking at the students, she added. “Those churches whose gods seek to cause evil to humanity are treated as cults.”

Gods existed and there were multiple gods whose influence reached the earth.

Some, like the Goddess of Knowledge, helped humanity by offering their knowledge to earthlings, spreading their faith in this world.

However, not all gods aimed to help mankind, and the churches that worshipped those gods were called cults.

“In other worlds, not all those gods are evil. Maybe in another world they are generous and kind beings, but their intentions with this world end up turning them into forbidden sects.” Narrated Professor Santulli calmly.

Those gods in their respective worlds could be benevolent gods, but on earth, because of how they acted or how they moved, they ended up becoming cults that were forbidden.

Giving permission to a student who raised his hand, Professor Santulli calmly waited for the student to ask his question.

“How do mortals discover such intentions?” a student asked.

The Gods were beings that surpassed any human and for mortals like them; it was hard for mortals to figure out his intentions.

This student’s question was quite accurate, yet easy to answer.

“By analyzing the actions of their believers.” Professor Santulli replied and with a half-smile, she clarified. “Although sometimes, some existences hide their intentions very well and their reasons are difficult to discover.”

The Gods carried out their mandate through their designs to their believers, guiding them towards a goal.

If that goal was to cause evil in mankind, then that god and his church would be designated as a religious sect.

Even so, it was difficult to discover what the true intention of those gods was and it was possible for them to perfectly hide their intentions behind the mask of a kind and merciful God.

“Unlike demonic cults that worship dangerous and evil gods, ‘religious cults’ are more difficult to discover, but they are just as dangerous.” Professor Santulli pointed out.

Demonic Cults did not hide what they wanted and when they wreaked havoc, they could announce their accomplishments to the world.

Very different from Religious Cults that could hide behind benevolent values and enthusiastic believers to help.

“Or more dangerous,” Alice said, and when she received a look from the students, she explained. “Sometimes people will do anything as long as they believe in something greater than themselves. And they end up causing more damage than they imagine.”

Professor Santulli’s expression momentarily quivered at such a realistic analysis and she nodded.

‘Faith’ was something no one could question, and it was a force that, taken to the extreme, could be terrifying.

That a God would make his believers think they were the only ones who could save mankind, motivating them to commit misdeeds with the idea that they were ‘minor sacrifices’ for the greater good.

With that idea, some could sacrifice countless lives.

“In this ‘Dark Arts’ class, we will talk about those religious sects and those demonic cults. How they act, how they are organized and how our acquaintances can belong to them, without us not realizing it.” Professor Santulli announced and with a half-smile, she added. “Although such topics will be studied in other classes. You may now retire early.”

After a quick farewell, Professor Santulli left the classroom, leaving the students with smiles.

Aurora, who was listening to the class, yawned sleepily.

It was the first day, and she had attended Magical History, Theology, and Dark Arts Class, the latter two given by Professor Santulli.

Although she explained well, these classes were not a subject that Aurora liked too much very differently from Alice, who paid attention enthusiastically.

Both Professor Santulli and the Magical History Professor were excellent at explaining and teaching, the latter being the most enthusiastic, wanting to prepare for a more fun school year.

The cause was the foreign students.

Aurora watched Cithrel, waiting for her to finish talking to those around her.

The presence of foreign students enlivened the atmosphere and that Cithrel was such an enthusiastic young woman to take part and learn, led to the teachers being happy to teach.

Although Venali also appeared serious and solemn, he was actually someone who took notes with a certain discipline, paying attention to the classes.

And greater than all, Venali’s presence literally led to students redirecting their gaze, as if using it to regain energy.

“Do you have time?” Nicole asked suddenly and when Aurora stopped being distracted and paid attention to her, that young girl hesitated for a moment and asked. “I want to train.”

Despite having otherworldly students around her, Nicole seemed more animated to train than socializing.

Perhaps if it was before practice, she would have taken more interest in them.

It was the same as the others, who, despite coming to this class, had retired to do their respective tasks.

“I have work now, but we can train in the evening,” Aurora said, watching out of the corner of her eye as Cithrel finished.

She could not talk to Cithrel about the ins and outs of the mission and, for her, it was necessary to choose what she wanted.

“You don’t need to worry about me and you don’t need to protect me all the time either,” Cithrel said, and with an honest smile, she added. “I have confidence in my and Venali abilities.”

She had heard her answer, even though it had been far away.

She wasn’t being proud but was honest that she was confident in her abilities and Aurora, who hesitated, finally spoke up.

“I doubt anything will happen at the academy, but if you wish, we can be with you when you leave the academy. Also, if you wish, you can stay at our mansion or we can accompany you at your hotel.” Aurora said and with a half-smile, she explained. “It would look bad with Urfin if I don’t do my job. And being the Princess of a powerful empire can be problematic.”

If she had to choose a style of protection, Aurora would choose to protect the princess full time.

At the Hero Academy, it was unnecessary to keep an eye and both Venali and Cithrel could go to any classes they wished, but outside of the academy, it was another matter.

While they were backup bodyguards and others might protect her in the shadows, Aurora wanted to take her job seriously and more so when the Princess of the Falion Empire was, to some lunatics, valuable.

Extremely important.

It was likely that Cithrel on Terra nova would be surrounded by guards and although the chance of her being attacked on Earth was low, compared to the dangers of Terra nova, Aurora did not wish to make a mistake.

This more than a job was a favor, and she did not want to fail Urfin, who placed his trust in her and her sister.

“I understand the dangers of this world, but I am not as weak as I seem,” Cithrel said, and realizing that she was still looking at her solemnly, she sighed and, with a smile, added. “I appreciated your goodwill and loyalty to Urfin. I will inform you when I have matters to attend to that require you to protect me.”

She was being considerate so that she would not look bad to Urfin and as considerate as she was; she left one fact out in the open; she did not desire protection.

“Now that Aurora is available, may I see your training?” Cithrel asked, directing her gaze to Nicole.

A subtle change of subject, which prevented Aurora from being able to object, and was so friendly, Nicole couldn’t help but nod.

Aurora didn’t care too much about the way the conversation was guided and stayed behind Cithrel, Nicole, and Venali, who were heading to the training center.

“Do you think he doesn’t trust us?” Aurora asked Alice, using an artifact to silence their conversation.

What was the reason for her refusing protection? Urfin had informed her that they would be in charge of security, and the first thing she figured was that Cithrel didn’t trust her abilities.

“I don’t know. Maybe she has a particular reason for coming to this world and doesn’t wish to have us around or maybe she has confidence in her own abilities and doesn’t need anyone.” Alice replied calmly and indifferently.

Very few Terrans knew current news from Terra nova and even less about the political situation in the Falion Empire.

Which meant it was very complicated to find out what was the reason why the Princess of the Falion Empire came to this world.

However, one fact was obvious.

“The heiress of the empire would not come to earth for sightseeing,” Alice muttered, looking in the direction where Cithrel, Venali, and Nicole had gone.

Vincent introduced her as a princess, but not all the students were aware of the fact that she was literally the heiress of the Falion Empire and not just a princess.

The Royalty of the Falion Empire protected information well and her being the heir was classified information.

A princess so respected and capable that even though it occurred to her to travel to Earth, none of her subjects or vassals objected... Urfin reported such details.

In the Falion Empire, it was in what they considered the ‘Golden Age’ and the control of the royalty was tenacious and very strong, which meant that Cithrel was not in this world because of a political matter of the empire.

Aurora could think of dozens of conflicts involving the Falion Empire, but in the end, it was the same thing.

“Our job is only to protect her,” Aurora replied as she followed the trio.

Her job wasn’t to find out the reason why Cithrel and Venali were in this world; her duty was to protect them in case they needed it.

And though if she turned her down, it was going to be complicated, Aurora would fulfill the obligations of her duty.

******

In the center of an academy training area, Aurora dodged a punch from Nicole, backing away with quick footwork.

Nicole lashed out at her, gaining ground with enthusiasm and a small smile on her face.

She was a B rank and by the quick, strong, and decisive punches, it was clear that she was reaching the top of that rank each time.

Aurora was highlighting the way Nicole was controlling the pace to attack without tiring and at the same time preventing her from contracting, wanting to catch her in a barrage of blows.

When that kind of fighter was attacking her, the only thing Aurora could do was to wait until her opponent made a mistake.

This was a battle of technique and Aurora was limiting herself, not using all the physical strength she could exert.

“Huh?”

It was at the exact moment that Nicole performed a kick to her rib that Aurora responded.

Instead of dodging it or shielding herself, she grabbed her opponent’s leg in one swift movement just enough to surprise Nicole.

Steadying herself on the ground and using the same force of the blow, Aurora reinforced her body with magical energy and threw Nicole against the barrier.

Nicole’s blows were powerful, but her body was light and it was easy to lift her up.

“Ugh...”

Hitting the wall, Nicole let out a pained groan from the impact and slid to the ground in defeat.

“Your opponents can learn just like you,” Aurora warned and reached over to lift Nicole, who was sighing at the loss.

Nicole’s first kick long ago in a style change was surprising and she could only protect herself, but that surprise could only be used once.

Training with a person meant learning the style and adjusting to that style, taking advantage of weaknesses, and Nicole made mistakes.

“Next time, strengthen your body with magical energy. If you make it heavier, it won’t be easy to get up.” Aurora advised and smiled as she saw Nicole nodding earnestly.

Just as she learned Nicole’s style, that young girl would eliminate her own shortcomings, learning from her mistakes, and then get up stronger than ever.

“Good fight!” exclaimed Cithrel, approaching from outside the barrier.

She was applauding and though her comment not only sounded kind but also sincere.

“Aurora is better than me,” Nicole murmured, giving a shy smile.

She was honest and didn’t mind admitting that someone else was better than her, still; she was a little embarrassed by Cithrel’s compliment.

And Aurora had to admit that a person like Cithrel caused some shyness in others.

“That’s true. However, you need not despise yourself. Your enthusiasm to learn is commendable and an excellent partner who limits herself to your pace to teach you will make you grow quick.” Cithrel commented calmly and observing Aurora, who was taken by surprise by the compliment, hesitated. “Would you like to train with me? I’d like to experience some of your teaching.”

She complimented Nicole and, at the same time her, to finish, asking in the natural way for a sparring match.

Aurora had to admit she was a little surprised and the first thing she did was to look at Venali and Alice, who were outside the training barrier.

The princess’s partner wore a solemn expression and Alice was eating her bag of chips with an indifferent expression.

Neither of them had any intention of intervening.

“It will be a short training. Pure training,” Cithrel asked with an enthusiastic and motivated smile.

The honest and so enthusiastic tone of inviting her showed that she really wanted to have a short casual confrontation.

Were it not that Aurora sensed the ulterior motive, she was likely to believe that sincerity.

—Does she want to test you or show you how strong she is?

The question in her system was the same question Aurora had in her mind.

By testing her, she would verify what kind of strength the person who was supposed to protect her head and in case she was weak, she could reject her.

And if she was stronger, then she had no need for protection and even less from someone who couldn’t even beat her.

Without giving her time to hesitate whether to refuse the duel, Nicole inadvertently ran excitedly outside and the training barrier strengthened again.

“Shall we begin?” Cithrel asked with a unique smile, looking at her.

It was a kind smile as if to say it was a casual training, but the S-rank aura emanating from the princess was no joke.

—Apparently it is the second one.

The magical energy was easily perceptible to any ability user, and the aura she emanated made it clear that she was strong.

Strong enough to not need protection.

And Aurora was not intimidated, but went to her side of the training area and reinforced her body with magical energy.

She was weak as a fighter... Just as a fighter.

Sharpening her senses and strengthening her body for whatever was to come, Aurora kept her attention on Cithrel and noticed that princess raising her hand subtly.

A nonchalant gesture, light and simple, that anyone could mistake for a casual movement if it wasn’t for the two slashes of air that appeared out of nowhere.

“...”

Dodging them, Aurora watched as they cut the ground with a depth that was no joke.

A clean-cut that would be similar to any sword slash that could seriously injure an S rank.

—They were warning attacks.

At the same moment her system mentioned the obvious, Cithrel started the actual combat.

That princess waved her hand again, and the difference from before was that this time, she fired about ten slashes.

Aurora did not retreat, but advanced, and when the slashes were in front of her, she stepped on the ground and jumped into the air.

The princess was not an easy opponent and in mid-air; she launched another slash that was faster and more decisive.

“Oh!”

Aurora heard the princess’s exclamation as she twisted her body in the air to dodge the slash and landed five meters away from the S-ranked Archimage.

However, that exclamation was not the only thing she managed, as Cithrel, with a grin, slammed her foot into the ground.

A single movement was enough to generate a wind barrier that protected her and, at the same time, ten water snakes that surrounded the barrier.

As a native of Terra nova, Cithrel had a unique potential for magic, and thanks to her royal lineage, she was an S-Rank Archimage at a very young age.

Specifically...

—She is an elemental Archimage. She can attack with fire, water, earth, or air and likely knows other magics.

Her system warned her and Aurora braced herself as she saw Cithrel send her snakes towards her.

The snakes were A-rank attacks, at least in strength, and what stood out was the speed that surpassed any of that rank.

She was showing her potential for casting spells with such speed and quickness, proving that she was strong even among those of her own rank.

She was trying to clarify that she wasn’t simple, and neither was Aurora.

“...”

Reinforcing her body in an instant, Aurora struck the snakes with her fists, using the shock wave to destabilize the attacks so they wouldn’t hit her directly.

Avoiding that way, the damage and coming out completely unscathed against those spells, surprising Cithrel again.

*BOOM*

And Aurora, not caring about her opponent’s surprise, lashed out against the barrier, this time with enough force to generate an explosive sound when her fist collided with the barrier.

The barrier shook, transmitting the impact to the outside, and that was all she got a punch of an A-rank.

“You’re good,” Cithrel admitted, smiling honestly at the other side of the barrier.

Even though a thin barrier of wind capable of solidifying covered her, that princess didn’t look nervous and was smiling calmly.

At the academy, they taught the students that a mage lost when an enemy approached and Cithrel proved that such words were a joke.

Aurora stepped back immediately, following her instincts that warned her of the danger, and her quick reaction allowed her to dodge the air slashes that were launched from the same barrier.

Trying to take the safest distance performing backward pirouettes, dodging the cuts that split the ground, Aurora, noticing a sphere of air, stopped.

Reinforcing her body in an instant, she punched with all her strength, using her combat aura against the air sphere.

She was trying to employ a combat aura to blast the spell before it got too close.

*BOOM*

The air sphere was no joke and the shock wave it released when it was quite strong.

She had used her pure physical strength and, to her surprise, Cithrel’s sphere wasn’t just compressed air.

“¡!”

Aurora tilted her head instinctively as she sensed the danger and, though she was quick, she could feel the fiery cut on her cheek.

A spell within a spell.

That sphere of air had enormous force and could be compared to a punch from an A-Rank fighter if it hit her.

However, inside the sphere was a slash of air that continued once the barrier was broken.

Touching her cheek, Aurora gave a half-smile, admitting that Cithrel was a terrifying S-rank mage.

“If you want…”

As she was about to tell her to continue the combat, wanting to test herself against a terrifying mage, Aurora watched as Cithrel looked at the wound, stunned.

“Sorry!” Cithrel exclaimed as she realized she was lost and quickly approaching. She gave an apologetic expression and muttered. “I went a little overboard. Don’t worry, I know healing magic, I’ll help you.”

Aurora blinked in surprise as she realized that Cithrel was giving her an apologetic look, standing in front of her.

That princess’s eyes shone in a unique way and they were fixed on the wound and the blood that ran down her cheek as if she thought that the cut hurt.

“It’s just a minor cut. It’ll heal in a few seconds.” Aurora replied honestly, not knowing how to react to Cithrel’s concern and seriousness.

She was surprised at the unique way Cithrel used her magic, but that was all.

A small, tiny cut that was impossible to consider as an injury and less so when this kind of training fights, she was likely to get even more hurt.

The only thing that reassured her was that both Nicole and Alice, who were watching from afar, didn’t understand what was going on either.

“Don’t say that. I’ll handle it.” Cithrel replied, coming closer and putting his hand on her cheek.

She was close and the blue eyes of that princess turned out to be both fascinating and a bit strange for the concern with which she was looking at her.

Aurora didn’t know how to react and let her heal it, feeling a warm energy that warmed her cheek, and that insignificant burning of the cut disappeared.

As did probably the cut mark.

“Thank you,” Aurora murmured honestly.

She couldn’t understand Cithrel’s sudden change and felt it as a strange culture shock.

Perhaps Cithrel’s training was easy, and no one was getting hurt? It wasn’t so strange to imagine a princess being protected from the dangers of the world, having the softest training possible.

The problem was.

—A Terranovian to reach S-Rank must have killed many creatures and living beings. She may have gone through harsh training from a young age.

Her system let the problem show in that doubt she had, and Aurora blinked back, watching Cithrel with even more doubt.

Earth’s ranks were like Terra nova’s and the only difference was that Terranovians to become strong they leveled up and thus killed living things to gain experience.

Very different from the earth, where earthlings could become S-rank with understanding and willpower.

A Terra nova S rank to reach that rank, necessarily had to have gone through multiple combats, and Cithrel seemed to be no exception and even less so when she showed such strong capabilities.

How many creatures, monsters and even people must she have killed to become an S rank?

Aurora’s look got weirder the more doubts she had in her mind and...

“Don’t look at me like that,” Cithrel muttered with a shy smile.

She was very close and Aurora could see a certain blush on Cithrel’s whitish face and at the same time, she could feel the other party’s soft breathing and the extraordinary perfume she used.

For a moment Aurora felt like a gallant and seductive gentleman, only...

“You have a beautiful face that doesn’t deserve to be hurt,” Cithrel added with a soft, charming smile.

It was an alluring, flirtatious smile that matched the bright blue eyes that looked spellbinding.

The gallant knight was not her... She was the damsel.

******

At Zerzura’s mansion, Cithrel, who was following Aurora, met the gaze of that young woman.

“Are you sure you wish to live with us?” Aurora asked with a strange expression.

“Of course. Your mansion is nice.”

Cithrel replied, and looking around, she commented. “If I’m honest, any building in this world seems strange to me. Especially your objects.”

She was not ignorant about the objects of this world, as the players, when traveling to Terra nova, introduced many concepts and the Terranovians turned it into magical artifacts.

The major difference was that the artifacts of her world ran on magical energy and those of Earth ran on electricity.

For Cithrel, it was no different being in a hotel or living in this mansion.

“It looks like a vacation mansion. It’s a nice style as to get away from the world.” Cithrel said casually, and seeing that Aurora was distracted, she asked. “Does it bother you that I live here?”

The young woman was distracted and had certain doubts.

“No, I was just a little surprised by your change of decision,” Aurora replied sincerely.

Before the confrontation, she had wanted to go to a hotel and inform her when she required to be protected, making it clear that she did not want protection.

However, after the confrontation, she changed her mind and asked for the full protection package.

“I thought they were weak before. I apologize.” Cithrel confessed with an apologetic smile and, staring at Aurora with sparkling eyes, she added. “But now, I know you are more than you seem... And I think it’s not wrong to live with you.”

Aurora gave a half-smile, not knowing how to react, and the one who had the most obvious reaction was Alice, who, even though she was eating chips, gave her a serious look.

She wanted to find out what was the reason for the change of mind and the answer was...

“Can you lead us to our rooms? I’d like to change.” Cithrel asked with a smile, ignoring that perceptive young lady.

“Oh, yes. Of course. I apologize.” Aurora replied, and motioned for them to follow her.

Heading to the second floor, she invited them to see the guest room, already prepared.

A nice, simple decor. It gave the impression of a vacation mansion and it was the quality of the furniture, which let on that it wasn’t all that cheap.

“We set it up in case you guys came. You may not have the amenities of a big hotel, but I hope it will please you.” Aurora said, showing the room.

The mansion was rustic and the design of the furniture matched that ambiance, but it was nice and homey.

The luxury was hidden behind the expensive furniture, unique paintings, and valuable decor, which was visible to the discerning eyes.

“It’s very nice,” Cithrel replied honestly and, observing Aurora, added. “Thank you.”

She did not need to lay.

She had lived in huge and majestic palaces, whose rooms were as big as an entire mansion and she was in different places, which was smaller than this mansion.

For Cithrel, the simplicity of this place had a unique and pleasant charm.

Aurora who nodded at believing her words were polite compliments, withdrew, leaving them alone.

“Your Highness...”

Before Venali could finish her sentence, Cithrel erected a strong soundproof barrier preventing anyone from overhearing their conversation.

Then, with space magic, she checked the entire room for listening to objects or artifacts.

When she came to this world, the first thing her servants taught her about technology and the danger it could pose to both her life and privacy, teaching her ways to avoid it.

In this world, Cithrel had to be careful not only with magic but also with technology and psionic issues, which differed from both.

It was for such a reason that Cithrel prevented anyone from listening in or recording their conversation using magic.

“Now you can talk...” Cithrel said with disinterest.

It wasn’t as if she distrusted Aurora or Alice, but for her, maintaining her privacy was routine.

“Why did you change your plans and decide to stay here?” Venali asked with sincere curiosity.

Urfin was loyal to the Falion Empire, but like all those, too many loyalists were extremely overprotective of her.

The only heir to the Falion Empire and the one who had a talent for magic similar to the former Empress who brought the Empire to where it was now, during the chaotic time where the ‘players’ went to her world.

At that time where gods descended, ascended, and died, that Empress turned a magical empire into the most powerful empire in an entire world.

Sadly, the former Empress had disappeared along with the Enemy of Humanity that was her master, leaving her father as emperor.

Now some loyalists believed that Cithrel inherited the former Empress’ talent for magic and that was the reason why she had so many loyal subordinates.

Urfin had arranged quite a few measures for her to be protected, even though Cithrel herself wanted to be alone.

If she had chosen the hotel, it might have been easier for her to realize her goal, but...

“Aurora smells so good,” Cithrel replied with a charming smile, and looking at Venali, she added. “An exquisite smell.”