Exam (10): The Lamia's Fall
Kara's body crumpled to the ground, and the surroundings fell silent as if doused in cold water. Where the flames had raged and faded, a massive scorch mark scarred the earth like the aftermath of war. A breeze swept through, carrying the lingering scent of charred flesh in the air.
"……."
In the hush, I slowly scanned the area. The lamia horde's eyes turned toward me, filled with terror, astonishment, and hollow despair—the raw confusion of invaders who had witnessed their own defeat. The queen had fallen. That meant their loss.
One by one, the lamias lowered their heads and retreated. The hostility had drained from their movements. In quiet resignation, they seemed to acknowledge defeat and prepare for withdrawal.
"Everyone okay?"
I sheathed my sword and stepped forward, passing the fallen Kara with the relaxed poise of a victor—unlike them. The lamias parted behind me like a river, but my focus was solely on Adria and my comrades.
"Arnold, what kind of power is that…?"
Adria trembled in pain but met my gaze steadily. No wariness or doubt in her eyes—only genuine gratitude.
"I'd only heard rumors you topped the academy entrance exams, but to think such an incredible student was my disciple. I'm almost ashamed I never noticed before…."
"Thank you, Professor. But treatment comes first."
I knelt beside her and quietly chanted a healing spell.
"Heal."
A warm green glow tinged with blue seeped into her body. As the magic took effect, Adria's expression eased. She steadied her breathing and looked up at me.
"Oh? It's really working. You can even use holy magic?"
"A little. Just basic first aid."
But it wasn't enough for full recovery. Holy magic wasn't my strong suit—basic healing yes, but deep wounds were beyond it.
"Still impressive. None of the students I've taught could handle holy magic."
I took her hand and helped her up. Adria wobbled but steadied herself with a nod.
"Master…!"
Eily had received treatment too and was regaining her composure. The moment she recovered, she threw herself into my arms.
"You always save me. Thank you again."
"This was a special case—don't worry about it."
I treated the others one by one. Elisha rose carefully and said to me,
"Thanks. You always show up to save me."
She smiled through the healing, but it wasn't casual. A wistful depth lingered in her eyes, something tender and profound.
"Arnold's definitely my fated savior. You appear like a prince on a white horse whenever death's knocking."
Melina's eyes held gratitude mixed with playful mischief, but her earnest gaze made it clear she wasn't joking.
"Arnold! You saved me again!! I really thought I was done for… Ow?!"
I didn't forget Varis, the original protagonist. As he shouted joyfully and lunged for a hug—like a kid, just like during the evil god incident—I lightly flicked his forehead. I still had no taste for clingy embraces from guys, so I handled it a bit firmly.
"Got it. No need to glom on."
"Ugh, you're too harsh…."
After the commotion settled, I turned to my comrades.
"Let's head back."
With injuries mostly patched, our steps felt lighter. We moved out slowly, and the lamias didn't block us. They parted silently like parting waves.
Before leaving, I glanced back at Kara's prone form one last time. She hadn't stirred. Cold wind tousled her hair, but no spark of life remained.
"…Hah, well, since I saved Eily's little sister before, I'll let this one slide."
I muttered under my breath. Eily tilted her head curiously.
"Master? What was that?"
"Nothing."
I shook my head and quickened my pace. The last sight of Kara was pitiful—something I'd caused, but brutal all the same.
"Ugh… Nngh…."
The lamia queen Kara's stifled groan rippled through the forest air. Having taken Arnold's colossal fireball head-on, she clung to life by a thread. Her body burned as if thrown into flames, pain relentlessly tugging at her consciousness.
"Wh-what…?"
As her blurry vision sharpened, Kara saw her subordinates gathered around. Tension and relief mingled in the air, sparking her instinctive confusion.
"Your Majesty! Are you alright?!"
One subordinate cried out desperately, voice laced with worry, relief, and bewilderment.
"What's… the situation…?"
Kara's tone was subdued. Confirming her consciousness, the subordinates bowed and sighed in unison.
"To be honest, Your Majesty… after that insane fireball, we thought you'd lost your life. But…."
The subordinate's voice trembled but stayed composed as they explained.
"Once we confirmed you were miraculously alive, we threw every potion and medical supply we had into treating you. Your unbreakable vitality made it possible."
"…I see."
Kara lowered her head, recalling her final memory: Arnold's sun-like fireball swirling before her. But in that split second, he'd deliberately disrupted the mana at his arm's end, pulling back just enough to spare a fatal blow.
Letting me live, at least….
She murmured to herself, too quiet for others. Fear, awe, and a subtle gratitude churned within her.
"Everyone."
Kara gestured weakly to her subordinates, her voice soft yet firm.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
They all leaned in. Resolve burned in her words.
"I've learned from this. Flaunting power gains nothing. Excessive shows only breed needless sacrifice."
She paused, scanning them. Her red eyes remained steadfast, shadowed by fatigue and regret.
"And the world is wider—and narrower—than I thought."
She rose shakily with their support. Pain laced every motion, but her queenly dignity held.
"From now on, even with intruders, I'll try talking first instead of drawing blades."
Her resolute voice shattered the forest's silence. Deep in the woods, her decision enveloped the trees like a shroud, bringing the raid to a close.
The assembly point was pure chaos. Instructors drained from repelling the lamias, students caught in the fray or scrambling to help belatedly, and others bewildered without a clue. Emotions swirled amid the clamor as we headed straight for the infirmary.
"Professor Adria, you're safe!"
The infirmary buzzed like a battlefield triage. Healers rushed between packed patients, groans echoing softly.
"I'm fine—treat these students first."
Adria deferred her turn, prioritizing others. Her sense of duty shone through.
"Arnold."
As Varis and the rest got help, Adria approached me, her face weary yet earnest.
"What is it?"
I tilted my head. She paused briefly, then spoke without hesitation.
"Thank you—for everything. Without you… I'd have thrown my students into the fire and ended up worthless trash myself."
I shrugged at her sincere gratitude.
"No big deal. Just doing what I had to."
"Pfft, what kind of response is that?"
Adria chuckled, brushing it off. But I meant it. It was my duty—one cause of their inability to handle Kara was me. Though she and the others hadn't pieced it together yet.
"Anyway, truly—thank you."
I nodded.
"What now?"
At my question about her plans, she bowed her head with a wry smile.
"Once things settle, back to the academy to report up the chain. Unexpected threat and all… I'll be swamped for weeks."
Her tone was steady, no regrets—just contentment at survival.
"Got it."
Professor and I traded small talk after. The chaos lingered, but this breather felt like closure.