"This is the current situation." Ellia came closer and took out the tablet, showing the map. "The beast wave is coming from the northwest. It is expected to come here in two and a half hours.

"According to our information, there is a smaller group. The leader of the reconnaissance team sacrificed his life to bring the beast wave away, but the majority of the beasts stayed on course.

"Still, this smaller group suddenly turned back, which was unusual. They would normally stay there or continue in the direction they were led to. Instead, they tried to regroup with the larger group, but the situation became even more confusing from this point on.

"Apparently, the beast group turned around again. We couldn’t know exactly about their movements or their purpose, but looking at the situation, this group of beasts might be going elsewhere to gather even more beasts.

"The assumption is that this group of beasts has grown from a few hundred to one or two thousand already. And it would continue.

"If they chose to turn around and head for the city, this group of beasts would make a huge difference."

Auric frowned. "A huge difference?"

"Yes. The city would be attacked by the larger beast wave. We would have to defend it. And if there were a sudden reinforcement, we would have to adjust our positions, which would cause chaos in our ranks."

Auric crossed his arms, asking, "So, what is our job? If I’m not mistaken, the students are expected to contribute as well."

"Much more is expected from the students of Grand Magica College." Ellia nodded. "We have monopolized the resources around the city, so the least we can do to repay the city is to defend the city."

Maya continued, "Right now, the military wants us to head west and intercept the second beast wave." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"Intercept?" Auric frowned. "This sounds extremely dangerous."

"Exactly. That’s why the academy will give an announcement soon to gather on campus. They will tell you to buckle up and head there."

"I could understand about the second year or above, but what about the freshmen?" Auric frowned. "Not many freshmen have gained experience, have they?"

"In this scenario, unfortunately, everyone is expected to contribute. The government is gathering all its personnel as well as those from other independent organizations to defend the wall. Grand Magica College is responsible for intercepting the second beast wave."

"Grand Magica College? Does that mean the teachers will also go with us?" Auric raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah. There might be higher-level beasts, so everyone from Grand Magica College will be there." Maya nodded.

Auric looked down, contemplating. Suddenly, Lindwurm said, "This sounds sketchy."

’Sketchy?’ Auric asked in his mind.

"Yes. Not long ago, you witnessed a drug transaction... a weird and powerful drug. The adjudicators haven’t even finished the investigation after two weeks. And the one leading the organization is someone stronger than your teacher... maybe he was even her superior in the past."

’That’s kind of thin.’

"But the fact that even this guy hasn’t finished his investigation means the organization responsible for this drug might be bigger than anyone can imagine. It just feels sketchy at this point."

’You’re suspecting that they’re responsible for this beast wave? Can a human even form a beast wave like this?’

"No. A human can’t form a beast wave. However, a human can trigger a beast wave. You just need to provoke the beasts after all. That’s why I feel a bit weird about this beast wave, especially with all the abnormalities around."

’Is that what your gut’s telling you? Or is that what your instinct from following my father is telling you?’

Lindwurm paused for a moment. "Does that even matter right now?"

Auric didn’t ask further, but it sounded like his father might be more powerful than he thought.

Nevertheless, the beast wave had been formed. Auric said, "This sounds rather sketchy. This beast wave... Have you considered it to be related to our drug case?"

Ellia’s expression turned serious. Maya said, "There is no evidence that points us in that direction. However, it’s true that this beast wave is weird. That’s why the commander in charge of the city defense wants Grand Magica College to head west."

"Does that mean the commander has another intention?" Auric asked.

"Don’t tell anyone about it. Because of all the abnormalities we’ve found, we’re expecting the worst. In the west, there is a small entrance to the underground train system. If the city falls, they’re trying to move the students out of the city."

"!!!" Auric frowned. "What about the people here?"

Auric was worried about his mother. He couldn’t afford to lose his mother.

"The people? They’re to enter the shelters right away. Some might even flee or escape the city. For the time being, they’re doing their best to protect the city. Regardless, there could be reinforcements.

"As for your mother, the mayor should have made another arrangement. In the shelter your mother is in, there is enough food and water for a week. If it’s just to rescue a single person, my family can handle it easily."

Auric’s eyebrows twitched. On the one hand, he was worried about his mother. On the other hand, he wondered if he should be selfish like this.

Auric ultimately shook his head. He was never a hero who would sacrifice everything for others.

"..." Auric took a deep breath. "So, this is the plan?"

"Not everything. If you think about it, there is another way to look at the situation. First, if the worst hits the city, the underground train network is still functioning."

"Ah!" Auric noticed what the commander wanted. "In case we succeed in taking down the smaller beast wave and are still in a condition to continue fighting, we’re going to use the underground train to reach this city’s station and reinforce the city?"

"Exactly. That’s why the teachers will be following you to the second beast wave. Our job is to help you get used to the fight and gain experience while making sure that the second beast wave is eliminated completely before making the judgment."

Auric certainly didn’t expect that the commander had considered this option. "I see, but it still doesn’t explain why you suddenly picked me here. Even Arina and Ellia are here."

"Not just you three. I’ll be picking up Milinda Kompo and Eric Dabood as well. I have a separate job for you guys."

"A separate job?"

Maya raised one finger. "The second beast wave is really an anomaly in the way it moves. So, there might be something else going on. As someone as perceptive as you, you may be able to find something, my dear student."

"!!!" Auric was surprised. If there was an anomaly with the energy around them, he would be the first to know. No, he might be the only person who could see through it.

That was why Maya wanted him to see the anomaly, if there was any.

"Then, our job is to escort Auric at all times," Ellia muttered, asking for confirmation.

"Correct." Maya nodded.

"Wouldn’t it be better to have the teachers escort him?"

"It would be too suspicious. Do you want to show that he’s someone special? It will only take a bit of time to dig up his information. Maybe it will not take long before suspicion about him being a unique-element evolution master arises. Surely, you’re not that naive." Maya glanced at Ellia through the rearview mirror.

"I see." Ellia understood her aim. "Still, where are we going to fight?"

"The forest is 1 km away from the city. Several teachers will be using their power to block the beast’s path, which will force them to enter the forest. The trees will split them apart."

"So, the students will have their own groups?"

"Yes and no. The students can form their own groups, but the clubs might be trying to do it to recruit people. A few teachers will be paying close attention to those who are left behind. They’re the ones who will be most likely to die, and we are doing our best to avoid any deaths. Hence, the teachers will be paying more attention to them."

Ellia looked up before saying, "Are we allowed to go a bit further? How much do you want to reveal your power, Auric?"

"If necessary, I don’t mind exposing my rank 2 powers. Right now, I have rank 2 lightning and plant elements. If necessary, I will be revealing my earth element as a trump card, but we will see."

"In that case, going with the usual group and slightly away from the people." Ellia nodded.

"Just in case you don’t consider this, but make sure to prioritize your safety. Don’t think that your secret weighs more than your life." Maya reminded them.

"Of course." Auric nodded. Ellia agreed. "Don’t worry. I won’t move too far to the point where reinforcement is not possible."

"Good. Catch this." Maya tossed a phone to Ellia.

"A burner phone?"

"Yeah. I’ve also set a tracker. If you call my number, I will know you’re in danger and know where to go."

Auric pointed to himself. "Aren’t you supposed to give that phone to me, Teacher?"

He was her student, so it was normal for her to give the phone to him.

Maya rolled her eyes. "Right now, I trust this girl more than you regarding your safety."

"What? I’m not exactly reckless, you know? I avoid problems."

"Yes, but you’re ignorant sometimes. Besides, she’s more desperate to keep you alive than you are." Maya shrugged.

"I’m glad that we have an understanding." Ellia acknowledged it without hesitation.

"Oi... Aren’t you just saying that I’m incompetent at looking after myself?"

"Yes, you are." Surprisingly, there were three people answering that question, and Arina wasn’t one of them. Ellia and Maya obviously agreed on this aspect.

However, he didn’t expect that Lindwurm also agreed.

’You too?’

Lindwurm harrumphed. "If that’s what it takes for you to survive, yes. No one will be able to feed me if you die."

Auric smiled wryly. It looked like he had no choice.

"Anyway, brief the situation to Eric Dabood and Milinda Kompo. Do you have any more people you would like to be in the group?" Maya asked.

Ellia shook her head. "I think this group will be fine. Adding one more person will restrain Auric instead of helping him. We’ll just position ourselves cleverly this time."

"Good."

They reached Eric and Milinda’s house respectively, bringing them to the school. It looked like Director Popo and Professor Vienna had been contacted prior to their arrival. Director Popo was already not in the house, while Professor Vienna came with them.

Professor Vienna trusted Maya. Besides, Director Popo also thought that it would be good to have Milinda stay with Auric.

Once they reached the campus, Professor Vienna immediately headed to the office, where they received the briefing from the principal. Meanwhile, the students came one by one after the announcement.

They were gathered in the arena so that everyone could attend.

Principal Fernandes stood in front of them.

"As you are already aware, two beast waves are going to come here. As an education institution, we have an obligation to fight against these beasts. That’s why we’ll be intercepting the smaller beast wave in Gilliet Forest.

"You are expected to form groups of five or six people. For most of the first-year students, this might be your first combat experience, but don’t fret because the teachers are coming with you as well.

"The school will be providing basic equipment that you can use on this occasion. This may look bad, but you can also consider this an opportunity. Gain experience and survive.

"You have an hour to prepare yourself. After that, all of you are to enter the buses that will bring you to Gilliet Forest.

"However, I have no doubt that my students will be able to overcome this challenge. You are the top students in this city. I believe that you have more than enough potential to overcome this challenge. So, you also need to believe in yourself.

"That’s all from me. May fortune be with you."