TBATE: The Rook

I activated my spying spells as I gazed out the window, leaving my room to watch the students scatter in all directions.

The hallways, once filled with laughter and the soft murmurs of young magicians preparing for their classes, were now steeped in chaos.

From the shadows, I observed the chaos unfold at Xyrus Academy. The air crackled with tension as the enemy struck, their presence a dark whisper among the screams and confusion, leaving a trail of fear in their wake. I watched as students scattered, their faces etched with terror, 

Hordes of magical beasts, with sharp claws and glowing eyes, wreaked havoc everywhere.

Stunned and terrified, the students gathered in a panic. Some attempted to cast spells to defend themselves, but fear paralyzed them. The beasts charged relentlessly, destroying benches and display cases, while screams of terror echoed through the air. The lights flickered, and poorly cast spells resulted in minor explosions, only adding to the chaos.

Amidst all this turmoil, no one seemed to notice me. Everyone was focused on finding a way out or clinging to the hope of saving their lives.

Pathetic.

"HELP, PLEASE!"

"SAVE ME!"

Every time I looked around, I saw the same disheartening illusion: people clinging to social status and empty hopes, believing in the power of kindness.

Just because they are noble, they think nothing will happen to them. They cling to the belief that fate is fair, whether due to their race, gender, or social standing.

They live in a delusion, grasping at hope, justice, and love, convinced that these ideals will save them. But these are merely lies told to avoid confronting the harsh reality.

How naive.

The true face of the world is cruel and ruthless; nature shows no compassion. The strong prosper while the weak perish. This is the truth that no one wants to admit: the world has no mercy, and only those who can accept reality without fear can survive.

This world is not for those who wait.

It is for those who take.

I am not interested in your suffering.

Nor in your fragile connections.

The only truth is that of power.

You die because you are weak.

You live because you are strong.

Magical creatures obliterated everything in their path: desks flew, books scattered across the floor, and windows shattered into a thousand pieces. Amidst the tumult, terrorists clad in dark cloaks, adorned with sinister symbols, led the beasts with macabre laughter. Their objective was clear: to instill fear in the hearts of young magicians and demonstrate their power.

As the battle raged on, some students collapsed, exhausted and unable to continue fighting. The walls, once adorned with vibrant paintings, were now stained with fresh, dark blood, creating an oppressive and macabre atmosphere.

Limbs of various genders lay scattered across the ground: torn arms, broken legs, and pieces of clothing stained with blood. The remaining students moved cautiously through the debris, their faces reflecting horror and despair. Some bore visible wounds; others were covered in blood that did not belong to them. The air was thick with a metallic scent that churned their stomachs. Fearful whispers escaped their lips as they struggled to comprehend the chaos that had unfolded. The atmosphere crackled with overflowing magic, and the sounds of combat reverberated throughout the school.

Though frightened and weary, they found the strength to press on.

"Why am I like this?" I thought.

Sigh. "They are doing better than I expected. Let me clean up this mess. If things continue as they are, the blow will be too hard for this continent," I muttered under my breath as I prepared to charge into the fray to at lest lower the number , as to help them out entirely that's a big no for me .

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( copy , paste. )

CYNTHIA GOODSKY'S POV:

When I reached the clearing the woods, I heard the faint mumbling of chants with my enhanced hearing.

[Wind Cutter]Dozens of nearly-transparent blades of compressed air whizzed towards me at a frightening speed.

Of course it was only natural that all of these spies would be wind mages.

I stood still, waiting for the wind blades to reach me before releasing a sound barrier.

Unscathed, I continued walking while I finished my second spell.

[Pulse Field]*FWOOM*

The unlucky birds and rodent in the vicinity fell victim and dropped dead from the trees that they were hiding in; along with them, a few unprepared spies also took the brunt and fell from their own hiding places, clutching their ears in agony. I had the location to all of them.

Before I had the chance to send out another spell, I was forced to dodge a needle that managed to avoid my senses until the last second. Taking a quick look down, I could tell the projectile was coated with poison.

"Avier, take the ones to my right," | stated monotonically.

'Aye, my bond confirms back through mental transmission.

Avier descended from the moonlit sky, and before long I could hear the brief groans and howling of the spies that became prey.A pity that their screams would never be heard.

On my side, I had to control myself to keep at least a few of them alive and able so I can get some information out of them.

In the end, only one managed to survive long enough to be questioned...

"GAAAAAAAAHHH!" One of the spies that was currently underneath me wailed.

It was fairly simple to torture him after destroying his mana core. Without magic protecting him, his body were simply too frail. I proceeded to crush his bones from the inside after giving him the chance to answer my questions. He remained unrelenting.

"Heh! You think I'll tell anything to a TRAITOR? You made a big mistake. They're slowly regaining their... former strength. Just from the questions you asked, you a.s.sumed this continent had decades left, huh? Pfft! the people of this continent... will have less than ten years before the war begins." He smirked, spitting the blood congealing inside his mouth at my face.

My cheeks couldn't help but cramp at the confirmation of my fears. Pushing down my frustration, I place my hand on the injured spy's head.

His voice choking on the blood acc.u.mulating in his mouth, he croaked, "Long live the—"

*Vrrm*

Liquid brain matter began leaking out from his ears and blood started dripping down from his other orifices as the sound pulse I inflicted on the inside of his skull mashed his brain.

Dropping the lifeless body on the ground, I let out a sigh. Turning back, I make haste to my next destination, careful to avoid the corpses scattered on the ground.

"Do you mind cleaning up the mess, Avier?" I said apologetically.

"Human meat is too stringy for my taste, but I suppose it will have to do for now." As my bond said this, his owl-like body began to glow before transforming into his wyvern form.

With only the moonlight illuminating the woods, the sounds of bones being crunched echoed loudly. Avier feasting on yet another batch of spies that came from my homeland.

I let out a disappointed breath of air from the fruitless night as I wiped the blood off of my face while changing my outer attire. My years on this continent had made me too soft. The apathy that I had once built towards death and torture was gone, replacing it, a sour taste in my mouth from killing just a few brainwashed soldiers.

But even still... this was too easy...

Were they just a diversion?

Avier, who rarely let me ride on his back, carried me off to our next destination. I just hoped that my suspicions weren't correct.

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(Copy , paste but shorter .)

KATHYLN GLAYDER'S POV:

As a child, I once faced a stern lecture from my home instructor. I barely remember the reason, but it stemmed from my refusal to engage with the other noble children in class. My mother had hoped I would make friends, but on the first day, I threw a tantrum, insisting they weren't princesses like me. Ignoring the instructor's gentle reprimands, I stormed to my room and slammed the door.

Later, my mother knocked softly and sat beside me on the bed, running her fingers through my hair. Though I can't recall my response, her words left a lasting impression: "Kathlyn, before you are a princess, you are a person. Everyone is unique, and that's what makes them special. Don't judge others for things they can't change." She then tickled me, and I burst into giggles.

My mother was wise and compassionate, treating everyone as individuals, regardless of their race or status. She instilled in my brother and me a strong sense of equality.

Suddenly, explosions jolted us from our thoughts, and we rushed outside to a scene of chaos. A thick cloud of smoke billowed from the center of the campus, where half of Tri-Union Hall—a monument to the alliance of our three races—was engulfed in flames. I felt a mix of frustration and sorrow; this building had been a symbol of unity, one my mother had passionately advocated for.

Claire quickly organized us, sending a student to alert the professors while she directed Feyrith and me to help the mages extinguish the fire. I noticed Feyrith's expression shift from anger to despair, and I wanted to reassure him that not all humans shared the same prejudices, but the words caught in my throat.

As we worked alongside the Student Council, the professors arrived, conjuring a thick mist to smother the flames. Within minutes, the fire was out, and they rushed inside to support the crumbling structure. Their power was awe-inspiring, reminding me of Elis strength, and I found myself wishing he were here.

Amid the chaos, I spotted Charles Ravenpor trying to escape the scene, his nervous glances betraying his fear. Before I could react, Theodore, who had been helping an injured student, dashed after him. "We need to ask you some questions," he growled, grabbing Charles by the collar.

I usually disapproved of Theodore's impulsive behavior, but this time, I hoped he would be tougher on Charles. Just then, Professor Malkinheim intervened, pointing his wand at Theodore. "What's going on here?" he demanded.

Theodore retorted, "This brat has been seen with the radical group causing all this chaos. He's guilty by association!"

Charles whimpered, "I swear I'm innocent!" as the ground beneath him began to crumble.

Another professor stepped in, urging Theodore to reconsider. "We can't act rashly. We need to focus on ensuring everyone is safe."

Reluctantly, Theodore released Charles, who scurried back to his friends, a smirk creeping onto his face as he disappeared into the crowd.

TESSIA ERALITH'S POV:

"Whew." It was getting harder and harder to keep a straight face in front of Arthur.

If I stayed and talked to him any longer, I felt like my face was going to burn like a candle.

My body felt out of sync because of my mana core; It affected my body, as if somebody tilted the world just slightly enough to throw me off balance, but I didn't tell Arthur this since he'd just get overly worry.

After closing my eyes for what seemed like a couple of seconds, I was already close to the school gate.

"Thank you!" I said to the driver.

He gave me a friendly nod in reply, tipping his hat, before driving back toward Lilia's house.

Right after stepping through the barrier and entering the gate, the atmosphere seemed to have changed drastically. My body tensed immediately, as if signaling my brain that there was danger nearby.

"Hoho! You're here...ALONE? Pfft! This is going to be easier than I thought! Yes it is!"

The throaty voice surprised me. I immediately whipped my head toward the source of the voice.

"Lucas? Lucas Wykes?" | gaped.

It surely was Lucas, but something was off... well a lot of him was off. His skin was gray, first off, and the way his body spasmed randomly made him look more like a rabid monster than a student.

I wanted to move, but I couldn't. The pressure and bloodl.u.s.t he was giving off didn't allow me too. All my body could do in response was shiver.

"Hehe... I can't believe you're here alone, no I can't! It's nice seeing you again, Princess! As beautiful as ever, yes you are!" Lucas approached me with jagged steps.

This wasn't Lucas anymore... The feeling I got from him was more of a deranged mana beast than from his usual egotistical self.

Seeing the expression on my face, his face tilted as he revealed a toothy grin.

"Why don't you play with me until Arthur gets here?"

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(3rd person PoV)

Perched atop the vermillion dome, which had materialized to encompass the entire Xyrus Academy, Ellis surveyed the throng of students below..

"ATTENTION RENOWNED STUDENTS OF XYRUS ACADEMY!" A rather high-pitched grating voice echoed throughout the campus. 

"AS YOU MAY ALL BE AWARE, YOUR INStitUTION IS CURRENTLY UNDER ATTACK BY MY LITTLE PETS. NO NEED TO FEAR FOR I AM BOTH JUST AND MERCIFUL!" The voice seemed to the students as he said this because there was a dwarven student in the jaws of a discolored black-fanged wolf, a B cla.s.s mana beast.

"HUMAN STUDENTS, AS LONG AS YOU RAISE BOTH YOUR HANDS AND SWEAR YOUR ALLEGIANCE WITH ME, THE MANA BEASTS WILL NOT ATTACK YOU! ELVES AND DWARVES, DO NOT STRUGGLE AND ALLOW MY PETS TO DESTROY YOUR MANA CORE AND YOU ARE FREE TO LEAVE~ KEKEKEKE!!!" The voice's deranged laugh. It was enjoying the carnage that was going on in this school that had been so peaceful just hours before.

( after some time paste ) 

AHEM! TESTING... AH AH... PERFECT!" The sound was coming from the bell tower near the center of campus. "STUDENTS AND FACULTY MEMBERS OF XYRUS ACADEMY. I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU ALL TO JOIN US FOR THE FINAL CEREMONY THAT WE HAVE IN STORE TODAY. I ADVISE EVERY ONE OF YOU LEFT OUT THERE TO COME TOWARDS THE BELL TOWER, AS THIS IS SOMETHING YOU GUYS WOULDN'T WANT TO MISS! DON'T WORRY, MY LITTLE PETS WON'T BITE ANYMORE~ I PROMISE."

"WELL, IT SEEMS THAT EVERYONE ALIVE HAS MADE IT TO THE GRAND FINALE OF TODAY'S SHOW! THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING!" The high-pitched tenor of the announcer pierced the air, drawing everyone's attention back to the bell tower.

Then he appeared, as if manifesting from the shadows.

The source of the jarring voice sounded like rusted nails scraping against a chalkboard. He wore a gaudy red robe adorned with excessive jewelry, reminiscent of a second son of a king—someone so far down the line of power that his only defining trait was his inherited wealth.

The man donned a creepy mask—a simple white mask with slits for eyes and a jagged smile the color of blood. Behind it, a mane of crimson hair flowed past his shoulders.

As the bold figure emerged, murmurs faded into an eerie silence. All eyes turned to the masked man, a mix of curiosity and fear palpable in the air.

It was so quiet that one could hear the sound of water droplets hitting the ground.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Suddenly, an earthen spear barreled toward him, smashing against the protective shield and shattering into pieces. Unfazed, he stood there as students began chanting, hoping the barrier had weakened enough for them to break through.

Strings of curses erupted from the crowd as the realization set in that breaking through was impossible. Familiar voices shouted insults, frustration boiling over.

"Pfft..." The man's shoulders bobbed as he struggled to contain his laughter.

"PUAHAHAHAHAHA!" His manic laughter echoed, drowning out the crowd. A mixture of emotions flickered across the faces of students and professors: fear, anger, desperation, and helplessness.

Then, the masked man tossed the object he had been holding onto the floor. With a dull thud, it rolled into view.

It was a head.

The crowd processed the horror, and many began to vomit, the stench of fear overwhelming them. By the time they composed themselves, students and professors were either looking away or clutching their stomachs. Despite their instincts, their eyes were drawn back to the decapitated head of a dwarf they had seen before, blood pooling beneath her.

As the masked man's laughter continued, a booming howl cut through the tension.

"NO000000! DORADREA!" Theodore charged furiously toward the masked man, knocking aside students in his path.

"DORADREA!" he screamed, hammering his fists against the translucent barrier.

The only sounds were the delighted laughter of the masked man and Theodore's pounding.

BOOM!

A crater formed beneath Theodore as the marble floor crumbled under his might. Blood streamed down his arms as he continued to smash against the barrier, his hands shattered. Yet, the fury in Theodore's eyes remained, locked on the masked man.

"COME OUT HERE AND FIGHT ME, YOU COWARD!" Theodore howled.

Suddenly, the masked man ceased his laughter and removed his mask. His face was narrow and sharp, glowing with a hue of gray. Despite his attractive features, a psychotic expression was etched onto his face. He tilted his head, feigning confusion.

"Coward? Me?" The figure walked toward Theodore with the arrogance of someone who believed the world existed for him.

"Yes, you! Stop hiding behind this barrier and fight me!" Theodore growled, blood dripping from his hands.

Draneeve blinked out of view and reappeared in front of Theodore with blinding speed, tossing him onto the erected platform.

Caught off guard, Theodore landed awkwardly before scrambling to his knees. Draneeve squatted down, a sinister smirk on his lips. "Why don't you fight me now?"

With a desperate yell, Theodore leaped up, executing a heel kick aimed at Draneeve's shoulder.

BOOM!

The platform splintered, a cloud of dust erupting from the impact. Cheers erupted from the students, but hope quickly faded as a howl of pain pierced the air. As the dust settled, disbelief washed over them.

Theodore's leg rested on Draneeve's shoulder, while Draneeve appeared completely unharmed.

The crowd stood in shock, mouths agape. Even the professors were baffled. Theodore's attack, which would have sent most opponents fleeing, had been absorbed effortlessly.

"Come on! The Great Draneeve isn't hiding. Let's fight!" The smirk never left his face as he kicked Theodore away like a rag doll.

"I'm fighting you like you wanted, right? What's wrong?" Draneeve continued to pummel Theodore into a state of utter defeat. His face became a bloody mess, and the onlookers could do nothing but watch in horror.

"...cker," Theodore managed to croak, blood spilling from his mouth.

"Hmm? What was that?" Draneeve landed another solid kick to his side, the sound of breaking bones echoing.

Lifting his battered head, Theodore glared up at Draneeve with pure hatred, then spat blood at his foot.

Veins bulged on Draneeve's forehead, but he merely took a deep breath, looking down at Theodore's broken form as if he were an insect.

"I see you still have a bit of fight left in you! Too bad, though; you seem to be on the verge of dying from all this blood you lost. Let me help you with that."

"GAAAAAAAHHHH!" The gurgled scream echoed as Theodore ignited in crimson flames at the snap of Draneeve's fingers. That was all it took—a simple snap.

He snapped again, extinguishing the flames, leaving behind a charred carcass. The crowd was paralyzed with horror, some there their hands bloodied from digging into their palms. They felt utterly useless. Even if they managed to break the barrier, what fate awaited them? 

Would they end up like Theodore?

"Pfft! See! I helped him! He's not bleeding now, right

PUAHAHAAHAHA!" His cackling laughter filled the area as he clapped for himself.

Seeing that none joined in his laughter, he shook his head in disappointment. "Oh poo~ you guys are no fun. Relax, I left him alive for now."

Eyes peeled away from Theodore's decimated body, they noticed Curtis being restrained by other members of the Disciplinary Committee. Claire had her hand over his mouth, tears streaming down her face. The princess, Priscilla, clutched her brother's arm, her head bowed. Feyrith and the mysterious member with narrow eyes, Kai, were nowhere to be seen.

"NOW! I apologize for the delay! Without further ado, we will now commence with our main event! Fellas, bring them out!"