A Desperate Defense
Perhaps it had grown tired of gorging on its own kind. The monster glared at the students of Class 1-A, thick, bloody drool dripping from its maw like saliva. Just meeting its gaze sent a bone-chilling shiver down their spines. Every time it moved its heavy legs, a sound like grinding metal echoed through the air. Its jet-black scales resembled a suit of armor, making it look like a giant armadillo lizard. No, it looked more like a dragon. The only difference was its lack of wings. If one had to give it a temporary name, "Drake" would be fitting.
Arin shook her head. What they called it didn't matter right now. The important thing was that a monster of an entirely different caliber had appeared, and it was currently licking its chops as it walked toward them. Her skin tingled as if she were being electrocuted. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and cold sweat beaded on the tip of her nose. Her mouth went completely dry, making her throat burn. The sheer tension was enough to bring tears to her eyes.
"We're changing tactics." But she was the class president. With no teacher present, it was her duty to lead the students of Class 1-A. "That thing is different from the other monsters."
"Yeah... it certainly looks that way."
"The moment it joins the fray, the tide of battle will completely turn. If we get pushed back, we're finished. Even if we retreat, we'll just get swept away."
"So?"
"Everyone else maintains their current positions. You and I will stop that thing. What do you say?"
This is crazy. Leo grimaced deeply. But Arin's words weren't entirely baseless. The current situation relied on Frey's—or rather, Aris's—heat ray and Anastasia's clones to hold back the monster onslaught, while the remaining students dealt with any beasts that slipped through. But if a ridiculous monster like that charged in, the clones would be breached in an instant. Once the wall of clones crumbled, the other monsters would pour through the gaps. It would turn into a chaotic melee. If the monsters and students became tangled in a messy brawl... the outcome would be disastrous, to say the least.
Even Arin and Leo, who were among the top students not just in Class 1-A but in the entire first-year class of the Academy, could barely guarantee their own survival. What hope did the other students have? They had to prevent that scenario at all costs. They had to hold out for just a little longer. Until Miss Angelica returned, or until reinforcements arrived from elsewhere.
"Ah, damn it. Where the hell is Yujin? He's never around when you actually need him."
In swordsmanship, he lagged behind Arin; in speed, he was slower than Leo; in raw firepower, he fell short of Aris. Yet, Yujin performed above average in all of those categories. Even if his swordsmanship couldn't beat Arin's, he possessed exceptional speed and firepower. Even if he was slower than Leo, he had superior skill and his flames. And even if his firepower was weaker than Aris's, he held an overwhelming advantage in every other aspect. Because of this, he was the undisputed strongest in Class 1-A. A man widely considered the absolute best among all the first-years at the Academy.
The one person they needed most right now was nowhere to be found. If he were here, Leo would have kicked his ass and shoved him forward to deal with that thing. Leo clicked his tongue and rotated his aching wrists. Whatever. What's the point of looking for someone who isn't here? I'll just handle it myself.
Even if Arin and Leo pulled back, it wouldn't cause an immediate crisis. The most critical figures in the current situation were Aris—or Frey—and Anastasia. As long as those two remained standing, stalling for time wouldn't be an issue.
Screeech. Skrrrrt. Every time its scales rubbed together, a metallic scraping sound echoed. Even the other monsters seemed to fear the Drake, slinking away to avoid it. As it prowled forward like a lion stalking its prey, a path cleared before it.
"Su, you heard our conversation, right? I'm leaving the command to you now as the vice-president."
"Are you going to be okay? That monster... looks incredibly strong..."
"Even if we're not okay, what choice do we have? We have to do it."
Arin spoke as if there were no other option. Su, the vice-president of Class 1-A, sighed and nodded. Yeah, what choice do we have? If we don't, we die.
"Pres. Lion. Need help? I can send a few clones your way."
"No, it's fine. You're already pushing yourself to the limit."
Arin shook her head at Anastasia's offer. Mass-producing clones to overwhelm enemies with sheer numbers was Anastasia's specialty. Since the clones' abilities weren't inferior to the original, Anastasia was someone who could crush opponents far stronger than herself through the violence of numbers. In a sense, she was stronger than Arin or Leo. However, there was a limit to the clones she could create. If her stamina was completely depleted, she wouldn't be able to summon any more. She was already overexerting herself to hold back the monster horde; they couldn't afford to place any more burden on her.
The same went for Aris. Although their classmates with ranged attacks were providing support, the core of their defense was still her heat ray. She was pouring all her energy into keeping the monsters at bay. She had neither the luxury nor the stamina to look elsewhere. As for the other students, they were out of the question. It was harsh to say, but... they wouldn't be of any help. They'd be lucky if they didn't get in the way. In the end, only Leo and Arin were left.
The Drake, marching like a king down the path cleared by the retreating monsters, exhaled a deep snort. It tossed its head back and reared up. In an instant, its neck swelled, and it unleashed a condensed roar from deep within.
"GRAAAAAAAWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!"
A shockwave far exceeding the range of human hearing rippled outward like a tsunami. A powerful whirlwind swept up the surrounding sand, dust, and even corpses, spinning them into a vortex. Despite being dozens of meters away, the students were pushed back by the sheer force. Their clothes whipped wildly in the wind, and their feet slid backward as if someone were dragging them from behind. Arin and Leo turned even paler.
"...Do you want to change the plan now?"
"I wish I could."
Arin replied with a sigh to Leo's muttered suggestion. But with no path of retreat, the two stepped forward. How many minutes could they hold out? No, they might have to count in seconds, not minutes. The majesty it exuded was that overwhelming. Had they not already faced the faint, suffocating pressure radiating from the masked girl earlier, they might not have even been able to stand. Though their legs trembled as if shivering from the cold, they did not take a step back as they gripped their weapons. Do or die, they had to clash. Leo might be different, but Arin could never run away. No matter how terrified she was, she had to stand her ground.
If only I had warned them a little sooner...
Arin's ability was Crisis Detection. Even before the bus had arrived, she had sensed a crisis looming. Yet, she had dismissed it, making assumptions. She had told herself it was just because of the upcoming practical training, that her senses were simply heightened. It was only after the intensity of the crisis grew out of control that she finally moved. It was entirely her fault. She couldn't bear to look anyone in the eye. To think she had known a crisis was coming, yet brushed it off so lightly. They could have avoided this disaster. They could have passed through safely. There had been a chance, but she had let it slip away through her own mistake. So, she had to make up for it now. She wanted to return everyone in Class 1-A safely to the Academy and atone for her failure.
"I'm sorry for dragging you into something so dangerous, Leo."
"Ha, doing dangerous shit like this is a hero's job. Why start acting like that now?"
With a smirk, Leo took his stance. He focused his mind and activated his ability, preparing to use his Acceleration at a moment's notice to react to any threat.
"GRAAAAAAAWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!"
A leap that crossed dozens of meters in a single bound. The Drake launched itself into the air, crushing the ground beneath it at a speed unbelievable for a creature with a massive body comparable to an African elephant. The earth caved in. Even the solid ground couldn't withstand the Drake's leg strength. Soaring like a hawk taking flight, it raised its massive forepaws. Leo clenched his fists, veins bulging. Crazy. It's too fast. It was a speed he could barely track even when accelerating his cognitive abilities. Can I dodge it?
Though she couldn't accelerate like him, Arin, who had predicted its movement through her Crisis Detection, grit her teeth and raised her sword. It's coming. It's coming! Clashing head-on was suicide. She didn't need her ability to realize that. Then dodge first!
BOOOOM!
A deafening explosion erupted in midair. The movements of the two, who were about to throw themselves aside to dodge, ground to a halt. The leaping Drake's trajectory was violently warped and deflected, as if it had slammed into an invisible wall. While they stood dazed by the incomprehensible turn of events, the sound of steady footsteps echoed.
"That's a high-ranking monster. It's far too early for you to face it. Fall back."
She had a unique hairstyle, with straight, light green hair covering her eyes. Her sleeves were so long they completely covered her hands, and the sword she held dragged along the ground. Arin's face lit up. A wave of relief swept not just over her, but the entirety of Class 1-A.
"Miss Siul!"
"Sorry I'm late. You've had a rough time, haven't you?"
The assistant homeroom teacher of Class 1-A, Siul. Having gone missing after being hit by Astaroth's counterattack, she had finally made her appearance.
Siul looked around, her brow furrowing. What on earth is going on here... There are so many monsters... and there isn't even a Rift in Space... That was close... If I had been just a little later, the kids would have been wiped out... Where did Senior go... What's with that mask... The sky is so clear... That cloud looks like a butterfly... Ah, now is not the time for this...
Her head was still throbbing. Her skull was probably fractured. She had been thrown seemingly effortlessly, yet she had flown dozens of meters before crashing into the ground. Who on earth was that masked girl? If she hadn't protected her head with her ability, she would still be unconscious. No, her skull would have shattered the moment her face was grabbed. Even if she hadn't reached the boundary of awakening like Angelica, Siul was still an Academy teacher. She wasn't weak enough to get beaten up anywhere... Honestly, getting knocked out in a single blow was quite a shock. Especially by a girl who looked so young. Come to think of it, she had blown Senior away in a single hit too. Who is she, really? Though questions swirled in her mind, now was not the time to be lost in thought.
Siul stretched her hand straight out and activated her ability. Supernatural Ability: Space Distortion. Space warped around the students of Class 1-A. An invisible line was drawn, separating the monsters from the students. With so many monsters, blocking them all was impossible. There would surely be beasts that broke through the distorted space to attack. However, their numbers would be significantly reduced, ensuring at least some degree of safety for the students.
"Just hold out a little longer. I've sent an emergency request for backup. The heroes will be here soon."
It was a message to the students, but at the same time, a reassurance to herself. A high-ranking monster... and I have to fight it while dedicating my power to protecting the students... Honestly, this is a total garbage game... Senior, where did you go... Please come quickly...
But she couldn't let those inner thoughts show. She was the only adult here. As the assistant homeroom teacher of Class 1-A, she had to stand tall so the students could feel safe. Siul massaged her still-stiff neck, her eyes narrowing. If I had known this would happen, I would have made my morning cocoa a little stronger...