In the teacher's lounge, which was initially tense, the atmosphere slightly eased when Lithuana's firm voice cut through Arnold's words. With a sharp gaze that reflected the authority of an academy head, Lithuana turned to Arnold and said sternly, "Don't create chaos in this lounge, Arnold."
Arnold, still filled with emotion, pointed toward Exafanos and shouted, "He started it! If it weren't for him, this fight would never have happened!"
While the tension between them had not yet subsided, a quiet yet mocking voice came from the corner of the room. Hana, standing not far from Exafanos, muttered coldly and sarcastically, "Foolish mortal, how clever he is at twisting the truth." Although Hana's voice was soft, its vibration cut deep, as if she were mocking Arnold's entire existence.
Lithuana, who didn't know Hana well yet, turned her gaze with curiosity. Her eyes landed on the girl standing calmly beside Exafanos. She observed Hana's clothing, aura, and demeanor, which seemed different from most of the academy members.
With a flat yet curious tone, Lithuana asked, "Who are you? And why are you here beside Exafanos?"
Hana turned her face briefly toward the academy head and answered firmly yet briefly, "I am Exafanos's friend."
Lithuana nodded slightly, trying to process the information. But as the head of the academy, she couldn't help but question one thing that bothered her. "Then, what business do you have following Exafanos to his workplace? This is an academy, not a place for leisure."
Without losing her composure, Hana responded simply, yet with deep meaning, "It's my own choice."
The conversation then settled, and the room returned to calm. Moments later, Lithuana changed the topic. With a serious and slightly heavy tone, she revealed important news that caught the attention of all the teachers present.
"I received a report that the Chaos Race is starting to move. They're targeting the Barias Empire as their next target. This isn't just a rumor, but confirmed intel from the Empire's spies. We all must stay vigilant. That's why I will be sending a few selected students to join the Barias Empire's army."
The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned silent and tense. The teachers exchanged glances, realizing that this was no longer just about teaching. Lithuana continued with a louder voice, "Furthermore, the Emperor has ordered all of us, the instructors, to train our students to the maximum. Prepare them for the battlefield when the time comes."
The teachers responded with serious nods. No more complaints or debates. Everyone understood that the Chaos threat was not something to be taken lightly.
However, in the corner of the room, Arnold—who had been holding back his anger—quietly harbored dark intentions in his heart. His eyes glared sharply at Exafanos, and in his mind, the burning hatred continued to grow. "Once this is over… once I leave this academy… I'll kill you. I swear it."
---
The day continued as usual. The teachers returned to their respective classes to resume teaching duties. Exafanos also headed to his class. However, this time, something felt different.
As he entered, the students greeted him with warm and enthusiastic smiles. Unlike before, they genuinely showed interest in his lessons. Some even raised their hands right away as Exafanos began explaining advanced magic theory.
Calmly, Exafanos answered each question, giving in-depth explanations that left the students even more amazed. His gentle voice enchanted the classroom, and the lesson flowed smoothly and full of energy.
Meanwhile, in the academy head's office, Hana sat with Lithuana. Initially, Hana wanted to follow Exafanos to his class and watch him teach. But Exafanos gently refused. He knew her presence might distract the students, and although Hana was annoyed at first, she eventually complied.
Lithuana, flipping through documents on her desk, appeared focused on the mounting administrative work. Hana, sitting across from her, watched with a blank expression.
"Aren't you bored of doing that over and over?" Hana asked.
Lithuana glanced briefly and sighed. "Of course I'm bored. But this is my duty as head of the academy. There's no other choice."
Hana gave a small nod, then muttered in a barely audible voice, "Being human is… so complicated…"
Lithuana turned again, slightly confused by Hana's words, but didn't ask further. She sensed there was something mysterious hidden within the girl, but it wasn't the right time to uncover it.
---
Evening arrived. Lessons had ended, and Exafanos was now in the academy head's office. Waiting there were Hana, Lithuana, and Bella.
Bella greeted Exafanos with a cheerful smile, "You came!"
Exafanos responded with a warm smile. Lithuana poured a cup of tea and handed it to Exafanos, while Hana simply glanced briefly and returned to reading the book in her hands.
Earlier, Lithuana had shown a novel titled The Sovereign of the Universe. At first, Hana wasn't interested. But as her eyes caught the opening lines, her expression changed. She began reading, and slowly, her fascination grew. The book had a strange allure that compelled her to keep turning the pages.
After some casual conversation, Exafanos was about to excuse himself and go home. However, Bella, with an excited expression, said, "You can't go home yet! I've prepared a delicious meal for you. Think of it as a small celebration!"
Exafanos hesitated at first, but after a little persuasion, he agreed. Hana, without much comment, followed along as her intention had always been to stay with Exafanos.
But when they exited the academy gates, something unexpected happened.
About twenty armed men were already waiting for them outside. Their faces were full of hatred, and standing in their midst was Arnold—no longer a teacher, but now an enemy in the shadows.
With a sly smile, Arnold said, "Kill that man! And bring the two women to me. Don't let a single one of them escape!"
Without hesitation, the twenty men charged. Swords drawn, magic unleashed, and killing intent filled the air.
Hana, upon seeing this, was instantly enraged. Her fury blazed like an uncontrollable fire. To her, this had gone too far. These lowly mortals dared raise their hands against Exafanos.
A terrifying aura began to pour from Hana's body, ready to annihilate them all.
But suddenly, Exafanos raised his hand and stopped Hana's action. "No need," he said quietly but firmly.
Hana glared at him, wanting to protest. But before she could say anything, Exafanos uttered a single word, "Disappear."
And at that moment, a miracle occurred.
Those twenty men, along with Arnold, vanished from this world. They weren't just physically destroyed—they were erased from the memories of every living being on the planet. No one remembered their names, faces, or existence. Even their families and friends never knew they existed.
They were truly erased from history, from the past and the future. The world became as if they had never been born.
Only Hana and Exafanos remembered the incident. Hana, because Exafanos had consciously chosen not to erase her memories, while Bella, who had witnessed the event firsthand, lost all memory of Arnold and the attackers. To her, they had never existed. Her mind couldn't comprehend the emptiness, and she simply felt like the day had gone on as usual.
---
To be continued…