Chapter 135: Marshaling of Force (2/2)

Emmanuel shuddered slightly at the thought. Looking over at physically and emotionally battered group of students who were still recovering from the rigors of battle, he couldn't help but mourn.

[Why do they all look so young?]

Alexander followed his gaze, a momentary despair present in his features, before resumed his usual stony façade. ”Do you anything about the Dragonknight that intervened here today? No one seems to be aware of his identity. If we can count on their aid....”

Emmanuel thought back to his mystery student, who saved him from death with a display of skill that was astounding to behold. He wasn't sure, but he suspected that the young man even used Healing Magic at some point during the fight. That he disappeared into the heat of the conflict, shortly before the dragon's arrival, seemed too much of a coincidence.

”I have a suspicion that he might actually be one of my students, although I have no proof.” He replied after considering the quandary for a while.

Alexander paused thoughtfully, ”That would make sense, considering the timeline. Are you willing to share this individual's name?”

”A new student, by the name of Michael Rasmussen, who has already been causing a stir amongst the faculty because of his abilities. He was admitted under the recommendation of Count Graveston. Considering his general lack of background, I had identified him as a possible planted agent for some faction.”

”Do you believe that an actual Dragonknight would consent to being the Serpent's pawn?”

”It's hard to say. Who knows what they have been up to over the last few centuries? Perhaps they have fallen to the ranks of mere mercenaries. Nevertheless, I have spoken to the student on multiple occasions, and I have a hard time believing him capable of being a hardened agent, or a member of an ancient military order for that matter. He is amazingly talented, but ignorant and ill-trained. As such, I'm not quite sure how to categorize him.”

The Headmaster sighed, ”Since he seems inclined to aid us, but wishes to keep his identity hidden, I'll leave it to you. Proceed as you see fit, but be careful. It sounds like this student, if he is trustworthy, will be a major asset in battle. Especially if he and the Dragonknight are one and the same. It would be shame to drive him away with untoward questioning.”

”I'll take care of it.” Emmanuel replied. It seems like, in addition to planning for a war that was looking grimmer by the day, he would have one more problem to give him a headache.

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The princess's safe return, and subsequent reuniting with her twin brother was a major ordeal, as multiple layers of security were enacted as soon as she touched ground. Mike watched the proceedings from a safe distance, glad that Matthew had been alright. He'd realized after the fact, that it may not have been the most responsible of actions to leave the young man simple lying in the middle of a battlefield, but it had seemed like a good idea at the time.

Soon, it was announced that the royal twins were safe, and the assault on the University was defeated. The students were told to return to their homes and resume normal activities. Additional information would be put out during their usual classes next week. In the meantime, the Headmaster ordered a curfew, and recommended that they travel in groups for the foreseeable future.

Not seeing any reason to remain, Mike and the crew started walking back to the dorms. He quickly noticed that, in addition to the mildly disgruntled Oracle, Brenden was in a sour mood as well.

Moving alongside the beastman and speaking quietly, he asked, ”What's the matter?”

Brenden glanced at him briefly, before grumbling, ”This whole situation bothers me. I don't know how you managed it, but if it wasn't for you, everyone there would have been butchered in their sleep. All because of some pointless political game. I nearly died because I happened to attend the same event as a princess.”

Mike noticed Sera nodding along with the sentiment. Tal looked neutral, but it was clear from her body posture, that she didn't disagree with Brenden's assessment.

”I get what you're saying. No one likes being dragged into other people's messes against their will.” He commented tentatively.

Brenden snorted. ”That's a little ironic coming from you.”

”Hey! I don't do it intentionally.”

The beastman chuckled slightly. ”Whatever. Anyway, it looks like you've gotten stronger again. What do you say to a rematch?”

”Maybe later. Right now I have an appointment with my bed, which I need to keep.” Mike replied, sagging a little bit under the mental fatigue.

”Come on. I've been preparing for this ever since our last match.” Brenden complained while taking up a combat stance.

Feeling a little mischievous, Mike turned towards the beastman. ”That may be, but have you prepared for.....Pocket Dragon!”

Audra launched herself out of her usual pocket and affixed herself to Brenden's face, claw first.

”Ah! She's trying to eat my eyes! Get her off!” He yelled, rolling around on the ground and futilely trying to catch the offender.

Laughing at his friend's misfortune, he started walking away, but was stopped by Sera who faced him with a look of determination.

”We need to talk.”