CHAPTER XIX: Heartbeats
“You seemed to be underestimating us, Archmaster,” Glade said proudly.
“Yeah, this is so easy to do,” Raid commented. Ugh, when will these two stop talking about nonsense things? They were pain in the ass. They are going into my nerves, driving me crazy.
Archmaster just smirked as if he’s planning something bad. “You will do this every day for a month. Am I clear?” he revealed. My jaw totally dropped as my eyes widened out of astonishment. That was a complete torture. How could Archmaster do this to us? I cried mentally.
“No worries, old gee—” Just before Glade finished his silly statement, he kissed the ground as Archmaster Leonard snapped his fingers. I tried to contain myself. But I was laughing inside.
“Just answer my question. I don’t need unnecessary babblings. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Archmaster!” we all
CHAPTER XX: To the Path of Becoming StrongerThis was really a super tiring day. I yawned as my eyes went heavier. I really needed to go to sleep now. Few seconds later, I fell into asleep. But I immediately opened my eyes when I feel something strange.I looked around when I realized that I am dreaming again. I saw Mammon sitting under a huge old withered tree while looking at the violet moon above hugged by dark clouds. Oh, I see, I was not dreaming. This was a part of my subconscious mind and Mammon can exist or manifest here.I came nearer to him and sat on his side without asking for his permission. “Where are we?” I asked. He looked at me. He is in his human form right now. And I got to admit it, he has really a good-looking appearance if he’s a normal human. Though, his violet-colored skin fits him. And it does not affect how handsome he is.Silence enveloped us for a moment before he decided to speak. “We are in my cursed r
CHAPTER XXI: Demons AttackCaya is almost 100 meters away from me. I don't want to fall behind. I was constraining myself to use magic because Archmaster might find about my secret. Though he was not around. We were the only people here. I knew it. I will use my celestial weapon. My Feather of Metamorphosis also turned black when my grace mixed up with Mammon’s curse, however, its ability did not change. It can still change its appearance base on my imagination. Though, I can still optimize its color depending on what I want. “All right, thank you. I will go first,” I told them and then sped up.“Good luck! I hope you lose,” Raid shouted at me and then he laughed.I rolled my eyes. He’s teasing me again. “Get ready for me later!” I sneered at him, and then turned my gaze back to the track.I already called my celestial weapon. I was about to change its appearance but I stopped when I was pr
CHAPTER XXII: Face OffRaid, Glade, Nicanor and Niklais simultaneously attack Caria— the one who led other demons to invade the Academy. They have left us other opponents, who are constantly coming, even though we are already in the Glade’s celestial realm.One of the enemies are using a dimensional portal magic. I was taken aback when I noticed the umbra space stone hiding in between Caria’s ample breast. How come that stone still existing when in fact I already destroyed it during my last encounter with her? Oh, I see it now! That stone I smashed using my fist back then was just a mere illusion. It explains why Caria can still use space magic and was able to escape from my binding magic. Ugh, that umbra stone was a pain in the ass! It gives me headache.We need to destroy that stone. Caria will unable to transport demons here without that. I cannot just use my spell, Cosmic Darkness, because it will nullify my friends’ magic, too. And b
CHAPTER XXIII: The Daughter’s Sadness We pushed each other as we put a strong force on our swords. We were being dragged into different directions while suspended in the air. Who would have thought that the demon I tortured last time can stand a chance against me, right now? Did she become stronger for the past month or was she just concealing her true strength the last time we fought each other? Or did I just underestimate last time we encountered each other? If I don’t want to lose, I should take her seriously. I put a force on my legs and quickly flew towards her. I drove my sword to her, preparing to stab her chest with it; aiming for the umbra stone in between her breasts. But she swiftly disappeared the moment the tip of my sword almost reach her. Then, I was taken aback when I heard her laughing at my back. How did she do that? I step on the air and maneuvered my body to face her. She’s not teleporting from one place to another. She simply controlling the spac
CHAPTER XXIV: I am HomeArchmistress Demia stomped her long staff on the ground. Then, a big gray pentagram emerged underneath the cross I am hanging on. She was really serious when she said she will exorcise Mammon inside me. But the only way to do that is to kill his host, meaning she’s planning to kill me.“How dare you hide the truth from us, Cerina! You just have formed a blood pact with a demon? I can’t believe you!” she angrily uttered at me. I lifted my head and looked at her straight in the eyes.“I did it to save my friends. And I don’t regret anything,” I replied to her. She jerked her lips as if she was annoyed by what I have said. I meant everything I have said.“Tch! You did it to save your friends or you did it to acquire more power?” she allegedly accused. What? Is she serious? Why would I lust for more power?I caught them gaping their mouths. I looked at my friends. They seemed
CHAPTER XXV: NegotiationI was standing in front of majestic wooden double doors, collecting all the courage within me. I stepped my feet forward and knocked at the door three times. I've heard voices talking inside the room. They were from Archmaster Leonard and Archmistress Demia.After a while, someone opened the door. It was Archmaster Leonard. “Come in, young lady,” he pleasingly uttered with a small curve in his lips.I smiled at him shortly after slightly bowing my head. “Thank you, Archmaster,” I told with a pleasing expression in my face. I heaved a silent sigh before stepping inside.As I walked through the doorway, the first thing I noticed was Archmistress Demia having a tea on the sofa. She looked calm as she turned her gaze at me. Afterwards, she returned her attention to her cup of tea as if she didn’t see me.“Please, have a seat,” Archmaster offered and then led me to the sofa. I sat in fro
CHAPTER XXVI: PandemoniumI just quietly walked home, sighing for the nth times. I don’t know but I have an instinct that something bad is going to happen. I heaved a deep sigh again. Maybe I was just overthinking again.I met many students on my way home, but I only nodded at them when they greet me. Caya and Suzaine might be wondering where did I go since I didn’t tell them earlier where will be my whereabouts. They were both busy in their rooms so I decided not to disturb them and just leave the house without any word. But knowing Caya, I bet I would be put under a detailed interrogation session later. How I wish she just shut up since I can’t disclose the information we have discussed at Archmaster’s office.I was about to turn into a hallway when I suddenly caught the sight of Deborah leaning against the wall. What is she doing here? It looks like she’s waiting for something. I stopped walking and seemed to be stoned on my feet
CHAPTER XXVII: DestructionI closed my eyes firmly when my heart pulsated a strong burning sensation in my chest coming from my wound in my stomach. I panted and began to breathe heavily. This was the first I felt this kind of pain.“Deb— ack! H-help me,” I hardly uttered as the stinging pain crawled into my throat. Then suddenly, I coughed blood. My teary eyes began to blur again as Mammon collapsed in my mind. He already lost his consciousness.Deborah turned her back against me, preparing to take her leave. She started to walk but I cried again and pleaded her not to leave me here, hoping it would reach her. My eyes were only half-open right now. I tried my best not to faint here. I can hear people shouting from everywhere, crying out of misery and sorrows. I don’t know what exactly was happening but I am certain that the nine higher-ranking devils are causing havoc in the academy right now.“D*mn it! Drink this so y
CHAPTER LXIX: Shadow of an Uncertain FutureI was about to rush inside the labyrinth but I came into halt when a loud rumbling sound engulfed the whole academy. My eyes widened as my mouth automatically went agape when a red light glistened from the center of the labyrinth and a fissure on the ground quickly ran through the academy, dividing it into two. The small division of the academy is falling down and there are still people there, pleading for help. Screams of horror started to ring on my ears.I caught Shone and Hannah barely hanging on the cliff on the bigger division of the academy. Then, Reel and Akiza came to help them. D*mn! I don’t know who to rescue first. Just hang on there, Black Thunders. I’ll just save these mages on that falling part of the academy. I told to myself and was about to fly towards those mages begging for help but I was taken aback when Ophra spoke behind me.“Go, save your team members, Cerina. Let m
CHAPTER LXVIII PART II: The Grand Festival Fight“OKAY, let’s begin the introduction of the teams with the Golden Arrows, headed by Lotus and Vela. Let’s give them a round of applause,” Archmaster Leonard started. The Dome Magia was suddenly filled with shouts from the crowd. Lotus, Vela and their team members went on the stage.“Next, may we have the team led by Nicanor and Almirah, the Red Scorpions. Let’s give them a clap that stings our ears,” Archmaster introduced. The two captains of the said team waved their hands before their team stepped on to the stage.“Okay, let’s move forward to the third team. Let’s welcome the team created by Niklais and Suzaine, the squad of White Doves.” The crowd clapped for them big time and most men shouted Suzaine’s name. She’s been gaining popularity from the boys in the academy for a month now. Yeah, we noticed it every time we have a hang
CHAPTER LXVIII PART I: The Grand Festival Fight“WELCOME, students and mages of Caelum Academy. Today marks the beginning of Grand Festival here in our school. It’s been tough times for everyone since we left our families, friends and loved ones in our world that invaded by demons, Celestia, that we almost forgot to enjoy for a while. Thus, we are launching this festival in our academy for everyone to have fun and ease our worries for the meantime. We will also conduct activities and the first one will begin later, after lunch at the newly constructed Labyrinth of Phantasm. So stay tuned and return here later at Dome Magia for the announcement of the first activity,” Archmaster Leonard announced, declaring the start of Caelum’s Grand Festival.All the audience cheered and shouted out of joy and excitement. It is evident on their faces that they are looking forward to the said activities. After a few minutes, the people in the Dome Magia were slo
CHAPTER LXVII: Confessions and Heartbreak“LET’S call it a day, Black Thunders. Tomorrow again,” I signaled, dismissing the members of our team in their training. They all let out a deep breath while catching up their breath. They are really exhausted. Some laid down on the bed of grasses. This is what we felt, Chosen Twelve, during our training with Archmaster Leonard. We were all worked up that day, pulling blocks of iron that weighed hundred tons. But as time passed by, we were all used to it.“Are we becoming hard on you, guys?” I asked them. They all managed to stand up properly and answered, “No, Captain Cerina!” in unison. I slowly smiled at them.“Okay, then. Rest for a while and let’s go home to our base,” I told them and they all nodded at me. They all sat down on the grass and some are massaging the muscles on their arms and legs.“You’ll be stronger too. Just keep it up,&r
CHAPTER LXVI: The Origin of Celestial ZodiacsLOTUS knocked on the wooden door of Archmaster’s office as we arrived there. Just before he could knock three times, a voice from the inside urged us to come in. He opened the door and we followed him as he stepped his foot inside the office. Archmaster greeted us and we did the same thing to him.A woman is complacently sitting on the coach as she’s holding the cup of her tea. She is wearing now a uniform like what we, students, here in the academy used to wear.“Archmaster, who is she? And where is the chosen user of Ophiuchus?” Lotus directly asked Archmaster without running in the circles. I was about to answer his question that the one he was looking for is right in front of him but Ophra suddenly spoke and she replied to Lotus.“Right here, dear. I know you all come here to see me and to ask for Archmaster Leonard an explanation about the existence of the thirteenth celestia
CHAPTER LXV: Ultimate HealerI summoned my celestial weapon and turned it into a katana. This is my favorite form of my Feather of Metamorphosis. I made it super light and easy to manage. It’s blade is sharp enough to cut hard irons and even spells with physical manifestations. I looked at her after completely summoning my weapon. The casual smile on her face did not fade away. I wonder what’s her magic and how strong she is.I coated my katana with my divine magic and a glowing golden aura covered it. I tightened my grip on my weapon and prepared myself to unleash an attack. “Divine Magic: Sacred Slash.” I swung my katana on the air and threw several golden blades at her. I caught a curve forming on her lips and the next thing happened startled me. I felt a great pressure from above pressing me down to the ground. I can’t help it but my knees started to quiver. I fell down on my knees and unintentionally let go of my katana.I stru
CHAPTER LXIV: The Thirteenth“RAID, do you know her?” I asked him with crease in my forehead. He became stiff for a while and seemed like he was hesitating to answer my question.“Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Ophra, the chosen user of the thirteenth grace of celestial zodiacs, Ophiuchus. And one of the new captains of Black Thunders. Nice to meet you. Anyway, I’ve met Raid earlier and she helped me in carrying my things to Archmaster’s office,” the woman introduced herself and she was the one who answered my question.My mouth went agape for a moment. Raid has also the same reaction as me: confused and bewildered. Thirteenth celestial zodiac? Ophiuchus?“What do you mean? How come that there was a thirteenth grace when in fact Goddess Lumia only created twelve and she bestowed upon us?” I interrogated her out of confusion. She smirked at me, then, she lifted her hand and pointed her fi
CHAPTER LXIII: Love QuarrelONE month had passed already. All the damages in Caelum Academy brought about by the last battle were fixed already. We also fortified the barrier protecting the academy by the grace of our zodiacs.Three weeks ago, we held a meeting in the presence of Archmaster Leonard and Archmistress Demia and we already planned things. Three months from now, we are going to launch a surprise attack to the demons in Celestia. Vela had predictions about the future. She saw in her vision that those demons are already preparing, strengthening their armies and legions, and planning to attack us four months from now on. That alarmed us and decided to make the first move against them. Though, we need to be very cautious in carrying out our plan because it’s too risky, especially for those mages who volunteered to join us in this surprise attack and put their life in line.Furthermore, we, the Chosen Twelve, were divided
CHAPTER LXII: New Dawn“I JUST want my sister back, my confidant, my only best friend. But why? Why are all stopping me? And why no matter how much I try to change the past; no matter how I struggled… why I can’t change it?” Vela muttered in a low voice, crying while she was bowing her head to the ground.“Because no one can change the things that really meant to happen. Just accept it, Vela. Stop living on the past already. Focus on your life and the things you have today. Your sister is alive… alive in your heart. She is with the wind, the rain and all the elements of nature. You’re just too busy harboring that anger within you, that lust for revenge to notice that she’s still with you,” I replied to her. I caught how she was taken aback by my words as her head long stood and stared at me for a while.“Vixen’s physical body was the only aspect of her that had gone, but her spirit and memories