“Time to start…” [Ava]

Opening the window, a tired Ava stretched her right hand out. She would surely get in trouble for this, but it was more important to deal with the current situation. Her right hand was wrapped in glowing particles of light. Then, bullets of light were shot and went straight for the guards below.

“What?!” [Guard]

“I, I’m glowing!?” [Guard]

Their bodies glowed faintly, shocking them as they stared at themselves. Moreover, it wasn’t only them. Ava fired at the few students and teachers that were present, sending them in a slight panic as well.

“Magic! Who did this?!” [Guard]

Their bodies felt lighter all of a sudden, bewildering them.

“Over there! On the third floor!” [Guard]

“Was it that girl?” [Guard]

“It’s a half-elf. It’s elven magic!” [Guard]

“What did she do to us?” [Guard]

When the guards traced the trajectory of the projectiles of light, they finally noticed Ava who was busy strengthening as many people as she could. As such, they saw two hooded men in dark clothes running towards her from down the hallway and tackling her to the floor. The half-elf, unconscious, was then carried on one of the intruders’ shoulder and they bolted off, disappearing from their view.

“Damn it! These bastards got another kid!” [Guard]

One guard said with bitterness and anger which was soon followed by others.

“How many hostages do they have?” [Guard]

“How many are still alive?” [Guard]

“Don’t tell me they’re gonna kill that half-elf girl for acting behind their backs?” [Guard]

As the growls and angry voices spread the news that a half-elf was captured, the intruders that were encircled and those blocking the entrance with hostages smiled under their masks.

“Did you hear that?” [Intruder]

“Yeah, and I saw it too. Our guys got her.” [Intruder]

“About damn time. We lost a lot of men.” [Intruder]

Without letting their guard down, they whispered to each other. A note of relief and excitement could be heard in their voices. Their objective was secured. Now, they just had to escape from this place with the half-breed by using some kids as shields.

“Yeah, but after this job, we’ll be filthy rich.” [Intruder]

“We could play around for a few good years. I’ll be rolling in booze and women every day.” [Intruder]

“Obviously the reward’s that good. Otherwise we wouldn’t be attacking this place. We’re gonna be wanted by every country supporting Sanctuary Academy.” [Intruder]

“Then don’t get caught.” [Intruder]

Although there were certainly troubles waiting for them in the future, these men were busy thinking about their monetary reward for completing the job. The fortune they were promised would pay for their food, lodging and entertainment for a few years. Raiding Sanctuary Academy was the most dangerous job they ever took, and they took quite a few that were deadly and morally questionable, but the reward was simply too attractive.

“Stop yapping. Once the ones that sneaked inside bring her out, get ready to bolt. Remember to not kill the other brats we’ll bring along. They’re our tickets out of here.” [Intruder]

“I remember the plan. Don’t repeat it every damn time you can.” [Intruder]

As the intruders were getting ready to escape, Ava was being brought down to the first floor by the two hooded men. When the four intruders who stood at the only entrance with hostages in hands saw her, they shouted at the guards even more vigorously.

“GET BACK!! GET BACK I SAID!! YOU WANT ME TO KILL HER!?!” [Intruder]

“DON’T RAISE YOUR SWORDS!! I’LL CUT THIS BRAT’S HEAD!! I SWEAR I WILL, SO GET BACK!!!” [Intruder]

While keeping the security force composed of various races at bay, they slowly grouped up and waited for the other two to join them.

“What are you guys doing? Hurry up!” [Intruder]

Seeing as the two dark figures didn’t move, one of them shouted impatiently. They reacted to his voice and lightly jogged over to the four intruders and hostages.

“Damn. What do we do? They’ll escape at this rate?” [Guard]

“We need to protect the students. They come first.” [Guard]

“How are we supposed to protect them without doing anything?” [Guard]

A few guards whispered to each other as they noticed the intruders’ intent. But, they didn’t dare take a step forward because of the frightened hostages and only blocked the way. However, at this rate, they would have to clear a path for their enemies, or a kid’s head might roll on the ground.

“Ok. Move slowly and don’t let them get near. Be obedient or I’ll cut your wings off!” [Intruder]

One of the intruders instructed the other five and warned the hostage in his arms. It was the green-haired harpy Tyra that was crying and trembling in fear. He pressed his dagger at her throat with more force, cutting into the skin and spilling a drop of drop.

“E-eek!” [Tyra]

She shrieked and shook even more than before.

“Ok. Ready? Move!” [Intruder]

“… Now.” [Ava]

Just as they were about to force their way out while shoving their hostages in the guards’ faces, Ava, who was supposed to be unconscious, whispered a single command. At that moment, the one carrying her on his shoulder dropped her to the ground and swung his sword at the closest intruder. The other one also did the same and they slashed two men’s throats. As their blood sprayed in the air, they went for their next kills who were still shocked by the sudden betrayal. They couldn’t muster an adequate resistance in time and also lost their lives.

“KYAAAH!!” [Student]

“UWAAAAH!!” [Student]

The students that had first row seats to the bloody show screamed in terror and broke free of the weakened grasps of their captors. They crawled away from these men who fell to the ground and were breathing their last.

“MOVE IT!! GET THE HOSTAGES!” [Guard]

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The guards blocking the entrance were also stunned by the unexpected infighting, but they snapped out of it when the two traitors that captured the half-elf bolted off. At long last, they swarmed the building to take care of the intruders.

“Get these kids to safety! Split up and comb each floor! You are to kill these bastards when you see them! Don’t let them use the students as shields! If they do, keep an eye on them and wait for reinforcements!” [Guard]

After a wolf therianthrope barked orders, the security force split into several teams and they each went to their designated floor to wipe out any intruders remaining. One group stayed behind to check on the traumatized kids and move them elsewhere. Among them, Tyra was still sitting on her butt, trembling. Her breathing was shallow and her wet eyes were stuck on the dead man that was lying face down in a pool of his blood.

“… Oi.” [Ava]

A soft, tired voice called out to her. She somehow managed to tear her eyes away and looked behind her. A bit away from everyone else, Ava was slowly raising her upper body.

“Just breathe, kid. Deep breaths.” [Ava]

She said while trying to catch her breath. The half-elf was obviously tired by the entire ordeal. Before the harpy could say anything, an armored ogre approached her and asked her if she had any wounds. It was the same with Ava and they were both taken out of the building. Outside, the group of mercenaries that were serving as a distraction was once again being attacked from all sides. Moreover, they were easily being overwhelmed.

“This is awesome!” [Guard]

“Elven magic is damn useful!” [Guard]

“So fast! So strong! So easy it’s laughable! Oh shi-!” [Guard]

“Don’t let your guard down, you fool! They can still kill you!” [Guard]

Many of the guards were glowing faintly, signed that they had become more powerful thanks to Ava’s elven magic. They were baffled at first when they realized that the half-elf had made them stronger. But, they had quickly become used to it and were grinning as they hacked away at the despairing intruders. The difference in combat ability between the two opposing sides had become even more obvious. In the end, they were defeated. Those who surrendered were spared and taken prisoner.

“Reporting! There were no problems. These are all of the survivors we found.” [Guard]

As for the guards who entered the middle school building, they finished verifying each floor and exited with the students and teachers that still remained. One of them was making his report to the wolf therianthrope while the others were leading the relieved and crying survivors out through the entrance.

“And the bastards that sneaked in? Did you capture any alive?” [Guard]

“About that… We didn’t find anyone.” [Guard]

“What? Don’t tell me they all escaped.” [Guard]

“No, rather, they were all killed.” [Guard]

They didn’t see any enemies. Instead, their dead bodies were lying in the corridors. Someone had done their job for them and eliminated all of the mercenaries. They thought it might be the two men that had turned on their allies and escaped, which they couldn’t find and weren’t sure if they were still alive. However, when they took a good look at the corpses and the hallways, the traces left behind from the battle told them a different story.

“Sir, I think they were killed with magic. Some bodies were scorched, pierced by icicles or got completely mangled. It was a mess.” [Guard]

“Magic? Then…” [Guard]

“A race that can use magic. The first one that comes to mind are-.” [Guard]

“The elves.” [Guard]

The wolf-eared man that seemed to be in charge of the security force of the academy turned his sight towards a group of students and teachers. They had been gathered in a corner and were encircled by guards for protection. The half-elf had been carried to them not long ago. But, unfortunately, he couldn’t find her in the crowd.

“Elves only have one type of magic. That girl’s power, if what I saw was right, grants others strength.” [Guard]

“It can’t be her then. But I haven’t seen or heard of anyone else that can use magic in this school.” [Guard]

“… We’ll look into it later. Right now we need to keep the students and staff safe. Keep an eye on the prisoners and send some teams to patrol the campus. Make sure none of these bastards escaped from us.” [Guard]

“Understood.” [Guard]

Once the guard went to relay his orders, the therianthrope also left to make his rounds and check up on his men. There were still plenty of reports he had to hear.

“(The ability to increase a soldier’s strength, it could turn around a losing battle… And if she can use it on an army…)” [Guard]

As he walked, he couldn’t help but think of the future possibilities the young half-elf’s power could bring.

As for the person in question whose power was revealed, she was sitting by herself amongst the students that were grouped up together. The middle schoolers were either happy that the intruders were stopped, or were still crying because of the horrible experience.

“(… That went well.)” [Ava]

Ava thought as she sat powerlessly, too tired to get up. Using her second ability for the first time took a lot out of her. She would need to train and increase her proficiency for it to be usable in heavy combat, but it was quite useful already. After all, in this fight, it was the clincher to her plan.

Ava recalled how she had drawn attention to herself by firing her magic at those outside. She then had her two soldiers, which were created from the two intruders that she strengthened before killing, capture her in front of the crowd. Thanks to that, those who were blocking the way let their guard down and didn’t notice that their two comrades had a darker skin color than normal. Dispatching them was easy enough and she had her soldiers escape out of sight before dispelling them.

It was something that she had confirmed when she learned of her second ability. Whenever she dispelled one of her soldiers, they would disappear in a puff of black smoke. So, the guards couldn’t find the supposed traitors to interrogate them nor the elven soldiers that she sent to the different floors of the building. She had ordered them to wipe out any remaining mercenaries before disappearing.

Thanks to her elven magic that she discovered today, she was out of immediate danger and decided to leave the rest to the guards.

“(… So tired.)” [Ava]

Ava was fighting off her drowsiness as her eyes kept closing. She avoided sleeping when there were people around because of her nightmares, but mostly because they could kill her in her sleep.

“AVAAAA!” [Fyr]

However, a teary voice followed by a strong embrace helped her keep awake.

“Ava!” [Allen]

Right after Fyr, who was hugging her tightly, Allen called out her name and hugged her too. Both had tears rolling down their cheeks, though Fyr was crying her eyes out.

“Uhhhh~ *sniff* I’m s-so glad you’re safe!” [Fyr]

The two were worried sick when she ran off with the intruders on her tail and thought that the worst might have happened. When they saw her among the crowd, they felt incredibly relieved and happy for her safety.

“*Sniff* … Back then, I’m sorry I couldn’t help you…” [Allen]

“Avaaa~! I-I-I’m sorry *sob* I’m sorry too! I-I was scaaaared~!” [Fyr]

Allen apologized bitterly for his powerlessness and Fyr asked for forgiveness while wailing.

“Too hot! Too tight! Let go!” [Ava]

Unfortunately, their feelings didn’t seem to get across to the half-elf that was complaining about their hug. In the end, the three stayed like that for a while until the red-haired boy and the small harpy calmed down. They asked her what happened after they lost sight of her, but she only gave them some vague details. But, they didn’t press her for answers out of curiosity. Ava’s complexion was paler than usual and her fatigue was apparent.

“Ava, um, do you want to sleep?” [Fyr]

“No thanks, I’m good.” [Ava]

When Fyr offered to let her rest and use her lap as a pillow, Ava refused her.

“Are you sure? You’re not looking too good.” [Allen]

“Neither do you. Your cheeks are still wet.” [Ava]

When Allen mentioned how tired she looked, Ava made fun of him, reminding him that he was crying a short while ago.

“S-still! It’s great that everyone is ok! It, it was really scary, but it’s finally over!” [Fyr]

While the redheaded boy was blushing out of embarrassment and turned his face away, Fyr spoke up to change the subject.

“I’m sure everything will go back to normal soon! Let’s meet up at lunch like usual! The three of us!” [Fyr]

“I guess it’d be nice, but it might not be possible.” [Ava]

“Huh? W-why not?” [Fyr]

The smile the brown-haired harpy had was quickly replaced by an anxious expression.

“Because of this incident. Sanctuary Academy will probably be out for some time.” [Ava]

“B-but, we’ll still see each other in the dorms, right?” [Fyr]

“Maybe if they’re still open. But, I think our homes are gonna call us back. You don’t leave your kids in a place that was just attacked by a bunch of murderers. Some students and teachers were killed too. So we’ll probably be going back and leaving school for a while.” [Ava]

Fyr and Allen stared at each other uneasily, then at the half-elf. What she said certainly made sense and sure enough, it came true. The first attack on Sanctuary Academy since its founding became big news that spread throughout the world. It was believed that no one would attack the place, but that assumption was proven wrong. The lax security was easily broken through and the intruders killed several people.

Classes were cancelled as the security force swept the campus for any more intruders. The prisoners were interrogated and revealed their mission, but they didn’t know who hired them. Multiple influential people of various countries were outraged since their children were sent to study there. A few of these kids died, so their parents pulled some strings to make sure that the prisoners were all sentenced to death.

The security on the campus was being reorganized and strengthened to prevent another disaster from happening. The middle school building was being repaired, the deceased were being mourned and the students returned home by their families’ urging. Finally, after nearly two months, the school opened again. The students returned to see that there were more guards posted around the place than before. The friends and cliques that formed over the years reunited and among them were Allen and Fyr.

However, the third member of their small group was nowhere to be found. They asked the teachers about the half-elf, but what they heard wasn’t what they wanted to know. After all, according to them, Ava had dropped out of school and was no longer attending Sanctuary Academy.

In the end, they graduated from middle school without ever seeing her again.