"In the realm of perplexities that is Lojia, there is one phenomenon that we couldn't fully grasp: its method of compensating individuals born with deformities," Radbuck explicated. "For instance, a Lojius born with a singular leg might exhibit an unusually heightened talent for Yuva spells, which can grant him the ability to materialize lost limbs."

Well, this changes... Everything, remarked Dariu.

His Lojicraft class was the last for the day. After that, he would have some free time before sunset.

As Dariu and Naylu exited the classroom, a silent exchange of nods transpired before they went their separate ways. That was not the first occurrence of its kind, rather, it happened regularly for the previous few days.

Naylu navigated the hallways with purposeful glances, his eyes searching until they caught sight of his target: Karnella.

With closed eyes, Naylu took slow, deliberate breaths, centering his focus. "Lock on her, ignore everyone else," he whispered to himself. Attempting to wield his Arsha selectively, he aimed to detect only Karnella's presence—a complex feat that required a long time to master, possible only thanks to his affinity for Arsha.

"Got you," he whispered, then resumed his pursuit from a distance.

Outside sat Dariu on a wooden bunch close to the castle wall. On his expression the look of nervousness.

Suddenly, the small light of Raya appeared on his left side, prompting him to stand up.

"Hello there," a voice came from behind.

"Headmaster Hapla?" He said, in a surprised voice.

"Student Magnus," Kornos responded, "how are you adjusting to our humble school?"

"I'm... Pretty well, I suppose."

"Excellent. I know our academy can be a bit... Unique, but please bear in mind that it's all in your best interest."

"I know," he said, "if you'd excuse me, I'm in a bit of a hur—"

"The world contains us, Magnus."

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"What does that mean?"

"It means what it means."

"I see... Well then, I have to go."

"Of course," Kornos said with a smile.

To the north, Karnella strode toward the red forest, with Naylu trailing behind from a considerable distance. Eventually, Karnella reached the trees and walked among them, while Naylu discreetly concealed himself behind a tree near the entrance. Shortly thereafter, Dariu arrived, hastening to the scene.

Breathless, Dariu inquired, "where is she?"

"She went inside," Naylu pointed at the grove, "you think this is it?"

"Only one way to know, you remember the plan?"

"I do. And let me tell you this one last time: this is madness."

"I know, let's go."

Dariu walked a few steps into the forest before halting and turning around. The sight that greeted him was Naylu, visibly trembling, leaning against a tree with his elbow.

"Naylu, you don't have to do this."

Dariu was well aware that Naylu lacked the bravado of a fearless soul, having witnessed him succumb to fear on multiple occasions. He had anticipated that such a scenario might unfold.

"I know that," he took a deep breath, "but I will nonetheless."

Having mastered his courage, he joined Dariu, and together they ventured into the forest on the trail of Karnella.

Suddenly, Naylu made a stop.

"I lost her," he exclaimed in a surprised tone.

"What? how?"

"I don't know, she just... Disappeared."

Dariu and Naylu exchanged glances marked by fear, concern, and stress. It dawned on them that Karnella wouldn't easily vanish from Naylu's range. In that brief moment, a singular thought dominated their minds: she had caught on to them.

In an instant, Naylu made a turn.

"She's behind us."

From within the bushes appeared Karnella, slowly walking towards the pair, her hands behind her back.

"You believe I didn't notice you shadowing me for the past few days?" she commented, "how naive. The mere thought of you assuming I wouldn't sense your presence irritates me greatly."

Dariu and Naylu stood frozen in their places, confronted not by a mere Lojius but an Arcadian Lojius—the epitome of power after the Elder Beasts. This being held the might to rival armies, the magnificence to overthrow empires. As students yet unable to cast a Daishi spell, they realized their vulnerability. If she chose to eliminate them, they stood utterly defenseless.

"T-this is a misunderstanding," stutterd Dariu, "we didn't—"

"Save it, boy. I don't know the reason behind this jest, but frankly, I don't care," she asserted.

"You can't expell us! We didn't break any rules!" Shouted Naylu.

"That may be correct. However, I might have to instill in you some necessary discipline."

Fearful, Dariu and Naylu took a step back, anticipating an upcoming attack.

"Tura Vin Daskel," with a sequence of hand movements, Karnella began incantating.

"Raya!" Shouted Naylu, conjuring light at Karnella's eyes before she finished her incantation, blinding her as a result and interrupting her.

"What a cheap trick," exclaimed Karnella, only to open her eyes and discover that the duo had already made their escape.

"I told you this was madness!" Yelled Naylu in the midst of their sprint.

"Shut up and run!"

A massive lightning bolt struck from behind, coursing between them and colliding with a tree, cleaving it in half.

"What on earth was that?!"

"A Mentum spell!"

From a distance behind, Karnella advanced with lightning bolts striking the ground from her outstretched hands.

"There is no escape for you, filthy critters."

Dariu and Naylu continued their frantic escape from the enraged Karnella, skillfully dodging the lightning bolts that came dangerously close.

Soon, that section of the forest became engulfed in flames ignited by Karnella's spell. Amidst the inferno she stood, her visage adorned with an expression of absolute fury.

"Did we lose her?!" Yelled Naylu, now at a distance from the fire.

"I think so," responded Dariu.

Suddenly, multiple orbs of Lojia materialized in front and behind them, forming a complete circle around them.

"Yadaishi?!" Exclaimed Dariu.

The voices of rustling branches and trees above reached their ears, prompting them to raise their heads, searching for the source of the sound.

In an instant, Karnella appeared, leaping at high speed toward a trunk. She stabbed it with her fingernails, anchoring herself with one hand and a foot on the tree.