For a last few days, Aurora has been hit with a string of bad news.

First, James, who had been temporarily locked in the tower, ran away. Unfortunately, the information provided was vague. In the first place, his violent actions were not revealed to the public, so it's not surprising that information was limited. But Aurora feels there is more to it.

While blaming everything on Nova may seem unfair, Aurora's instincts still told her that Nova was behind James' release. This makes sense because James might be the only ally she has now, setting aside any connections she may have with the second prince.

After that, Bad news arrived from Lyra. Upon checking the situation, Nicholas discovered that a large number of magic crystals had been purchased by an unknown individual. As Aurora had predicted.

I'm sorry, but Nicholas failed to find out who bought it," Lyra said. "Or why."

"It's fine," Aurora said.

While more information is always better, this much is enough to confirm Aurora's suspicions.

It's possible she bought it indirectly, using someone as a proxy. But since magic crystals are expensive, that was a huge lead. Only someone with wealth like the Duke family, such as Nova, would be able to purchase so many of them.

Still, while Aurora found out this much with little information, it's unfortunate that she failed to notice it sooner, so she failed to intervene. That's annoyed her a little.

And then, the reason why Nova bought a lot of magic crystals is probably connected to the next piece of bad news that came from Sera.

Sera had been in contact with her parents and family as promised. Although there is no new information about the forest itself, something has happened there. The day after James was rejected by Sera, a group of mysterious people was seen entering the Molten Forest several times. Sera's parents even found several corpses, half-eaten by monsters, all over the forest.

"And my parents said they caught a glimpse of a young man who looks like the knight captain," Sera said. "I believe that was Finnick. But I don't know why he would be there."

Aurora knows why.

Most likely because this mysterious group is the remains of rebels, the Black Knight. Finnick is there because he is hunting them for revenge.

This makes Aurora wonder, has Finnick already figured out that Nova is in cahoots with these rebels? Or not?

"I... I don't get it," Sera said. "Why have suddenly a lot of people become interested in that creepy forest?"

"Probably because of the Cristal Muncher you told me about before," Aurora said. "That unique monster only lived in the molten forest. I believe they are going there to catch these monsters."

"What? Why?" Sera asked, confused.

"I'm not sure yet, but this can't be good for us," Aurora replied.

All of this is just Aurora predictions. The progress of things has already diverged so much from how they were going in the game, so she can't be sure what will happen. That's why she is hesitant.

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If she makes a wrong move, she will lose a lot of money and trust.

Aurora returned to her room and sat in frustration. She was uncertain about what she should do: take the risk or not.

"Are you okay, miss?" Lyra asked.

"Yes," Aurora replied. "I just..."

Aurora still feel uncomfortable. This might end up being a huge mistake, but if she can't make a decision now, it might be too late.

Aurora took a deep breath, trying to release her hesitation and gather her courage.

"Lyra," she said.

"Yes, miss?" Lyra replied.

"I have important messages for my father," Aurora continued. "Please told him to hire all knights, ex-knights, mercenaries, adventurers, ex-adventurers, and anyone who can fight, and send them near the Magic Academy."

Lyra gulped. "All of them, miss?"

Aurora nodded. "As many as possible," she said.

"W-why...?" Lyra asked, trembling. "Has your foresight shown you something?" The maid was obviously terrified by the possibility.

"I'm not completely sure yet," Aurora said. "But it's better for us to be prepared."

"Prepared... for what?" Lyra asked.

"Just do it," Aurora said.

Lyra nodded hurriedly. "Of course, miss," she said. "I will go immediately."

Aurora realized that she should have thought more simply. Nova's target was her, and the second prince's target was Prince Casper. Both of them were currently at the magic academy.

So whatever plan they had, it would happen at the magic academy.

***

Later on, Aurora met with Ruby and asked about Rita.

"She's still not back from that mission," Ruby said. "But don't worry, I'm sure she'll be back soon with the sword you want."

"That's not what I mean," Aurora said. "If she's not here, then who will protect you?"

Ruby blinked, confused. "We're safe inside the academy, right? So what do you mean?"

"I mean in case something happens," Aurora said.

"Why the sudden worry?" Ruby asked. "What will happen?"

"Well... I didn't mean to say that something will definitely happen, but..."

"Hey," Ruby said, grabbing her hand. "Just tell me already."

Aurora sighed. "Okay."

Aurora then shared her thoughts with Ruby. She told her about her predictions regarding what Nova and her friends were doing and planning, including the magic crystals and the monster.

By the look on her face, it was clear that Ruby found it difficult to accept Aurora's ideas.

"Assuming that's really what Nova planned," Ruby said. "Is that... even going to happen?"

"Nobody's tried it yet, so I'm not sure," Aurora said. "But if it does work, it will be too late if we don't prepare now."

"That's true," Ruby said, "but... wait, did this happen before you and Nova regressed?"

"No," Aurora said. "It's her new plan, at least as far as I know."

"Well, it does sound suspicious," Ruby said. "And there's nothing wrong with preparing for the worst. I'll try to contact my father and see what I can do."

Aurora nodded. "That's great. Anyway, I need to talk to Marina next--"

Ruby grabbed Aurora's clothes, stopping her from leaving.

"Ruby?" Aurora said.

"How about yourself?" Ruby asked.

"What?"

"Nova's target is you," Ruby said. "You'd better not be silly and neglect your own safety."

Aurora smiled. "Of course."

As Aurora left, Ruby sighed in regret.

"I shouldn't have let Rita go on that mission," Ruby murmured.

The real reason she kept holding Rita at her side was in case Nova attacked Aurora. She probably couldn't help Aurora by herself, but with Rita, who was one of the best knights right now, even Nova, who was supposed to be a regressor and had already mastered seven forms, would have a hard time dealing with her.

Should she ask for other knights? Or just tell Rita to come back? Ruby thought. But that mission is important too.

If there really was a legendary sword out there and if Rita got hold of that sword, it would obviously boost her skills a lot, right? So it would be useful. But would she come back in time?

Ruby didn't really like thinking too much, but right now, she must make a decision.

While Ruby was lost in her own thoughts, Aurora walked towards Marina and Oliver who were discussing something on the other side of the room. Aurora didn't want to disturb them, but as soon as they noticed her, they stopped talking.

"Sorry, I interrupted your discussion," Aurora said.

"No, it's fine," Marina replied. "Do you want to talk about something? Do we need to find a more private place?" She looked at Oliver.

"No, that's not necessary. It's a different matter, and it's fine if Oliver hears it," Aurora responded.

"Oh... so I can stay?" Oliver asked, about to walk away, looking awkward.

Aurora nodded. "I have a sudden need for a large amount of healing potion," she said. "I was wondering if you can do something about it."

Marina blinked and traded a confused glance with Oliver.

"Well, I can ask the director," Marina said eventually. "But how much do you need?"

"As much as possible," Aurora replied.

"What...?" Marina asked, taken aback.

"I don't know how much I will need, so having as much as possible is the best option, right?" Aurora explained.

"I don't think you understand," Marina said. "The Magic Association creates a huge amount of potions every day to be distributed throughout the kingdom. If you're asking for as much as possible, that's going to be a lot."

"That's exactly what I mean," Aurora replied.

"Really?" Marina asked, not convinced. "What are you even planning to do with all that?"

"To heal wounds, of course," Aurora said.

"If you're planning to resell them--" Marina began.

"No, no," Aurora interrupted. "I don't care about business or money right now. I just need them for personal use."

"All of them?" Marina asked.

Aurora nodded. "All of them."

Marina stared at her in disbelief, while Oliver laughed nervously. "You really are one strange lady," he said.

***