Abyss witnessed the entire scene unfoldthe moment Belial struck Frey down the staircase.
He had no prior knowledge that Belial would be attending his school. In fact, from the moment he awoke that morning to find her already gone, he had assumed their encounter was nothing more than a fleeting whim on her part. Her intentions had been clearthere would be no follow-up, no future.
Abyss accepted this well enough. Logically, he understood. Emotionally he couldnt help but think of her.
His search for information on hybrids stemmed from that very curiosity about her.
Baldur had mocked him relentlessly for it.
And yes, Abyss found himself utterly ridiculousbut he made no effort to correct it. He did not force himself to erase the half-elf with vampiric blood from his memory.
When he overheard Freys friends discussing ways to lift his spirits during class, he paid no mind to it, never anticipating what would follow.
As an undead, his presence in school was met with wariness and fear. Most students avoided him rather than risk provoking him, pretending he didnt exist. He had long since grown accustomed to it, and aside from attending class, he spared little attention for the world around him. It was unnecessary. Unworthy of his concern.
Had it not been for Baldurs meddling, he wouldnt have even attended the previous ball. But in hindsightgiven that it led to his encounter with Belialhe supposed Baldurs interference was a blessing in disguise.
After class, he packed his books at a leisurely pace, the surrounding chatter a mere backdrop to his solitude. He moved through the corridor like a specter, pondering his next course of actionshould he check on the herbs he had cultivated before the break in the greenhouse, or head straight to the library?
As he approached the staircase, voices echoed behind himFrey and his friends. From the sound of it, they had succeeded in lifting Freys mood, which had been sour ever since returning from the ruins of Dragon Valley.
Abyss was only a few steps from the stairwell when Frey suddenly rushed past him, leaping onto the stair railing.
He could already foresee Frey being disciplined for breaking school rulesbecause, a second before Freys reckless stunt, Abyss had already noticed Miller standing on the staircase.
Still, he didnt change his pace. Step by step, he advanceduntil he stopped in his tracks.
Another figure stood on the stairs. Cloaked and hooded, their features obscured, yet he recognized them instantly.
The half-elf who had haunted his thoughts.
A rush of chaotic emotions surged through himonly to be shattered by the resounding crash of Frey tumbling down the stairs.
Miller was horrified.
She rushed to the railing, eyes widening at the sight of Frey sprawled in agony on the lower stepsalong with the unfortunate teacher he had landed on.
The scene, though shocking, was at least somewhat bearable. Her panic eased slightlyuntil she whirled around and flung a spell straight at Belial.
The tension in the air was sharp, Millers expression grim. Abyss instinctively stepped forward, ready to intervene. Fortunately, he restrained himself, as Millers spell was not an attack, but a binding incantation.
A cage of golden light materialized around Belial, its vertical beams forming a prison that sealed her magic withinprovided Millers power exceeded hers.
If Belial was stronger, then the cage was nothing more than a decorative light show.
Yet, Belial made no move to break free. No one could tell whether the cage truly restrained her or if she simply found it unworthy of her effort.
Freys friends arrived at the staircase, their faces contorting in alarm at the sight of their fallen companion. They rushed down to his side. Miller, torn between checking on Frey and the teacher or keeping an eye on Belial, hesitated.
In the end, she made a decision. Though still a student, Abyss had excelled both academically and in practical combatfar surpassing even some of the faculty. He would watch over Belial in her stead.
Abyss:
He turned to Belial. She had already noticed him. Lifting her hood slightly, she met his gaze through the gaps of the golden cage.
Their eyes locked.
And in that instant, memoriesexplicit, unrestrained, undeniably intimateflooded their minds.
Scenes of passion, reckless and indulgent, flashed between them.
Belial, entirely unbothered, showed no trace of embarrassment. Now that her post-climactic clarity had faded, she was even contemplating whether she had time for another round before leaving this timeline.
After all, someone as suited to her tastes as Abyss was a rare find.
Abyss, unaware of the rapid-fire calculations in her mind, turned his gaze awaycool, composed, indifferent.
A few seconds later, his Adams apple bobbed slightly as he swallowed.
I had no intention of harming any students.
Seated in the headmasters office, Belial, freed from her bindings, spun her own version of events.
Millers reaction led me to believe that student had committed some grave offense. And judging by how desperately he was trying to escape, I assumed he was guilty of something. I merely wanted to help.
Across the desk sat Headmistress Gullveig.
She looked adorable.
With her deep brown hair coiled into an elegant bun, she wore garments more ornate than the average professors. Yet, being of the gnome race, her small stature rendered even the most elaborate attire childlike in appearance. Even her chair was custom-madea high-seated contraption that adjusted to her movements, compensating for her short legs and slow stride.
Back in Belials school days, Gullveig had already retired, yet her reputation remained illustrious. A genius who had crafted spells and magical constructs others could only dream of, she had earned countless accolades and nurtured future legendsincluding Belials own parents.
Belial had once seen her at a school ball, where she had been an honored guest. After her adoptive mother passed, Belial had even written to her, seeking guidance on magic circle inscriptions.
But Gullveig was sharp. Too sharp.
She had swiftly discerned that Belials inquiries delved into the domain of time magic. Not only had she refused to help, but she had also warned Belial against treading dangerous ground.
So, when Belial wrote to her again from the Elven homeland, she had taken great care to conceal her true intentions.
Now, through the power of retrospection magic, Gullveig had reviewed the incident. But beyond that, she had sensed something others could notan unnatural, almost twisted power within the half-elf before her.
Curiosity burned in the gnomes intelligent eyes. She wished to unravel the mystery of Belials origins.
I want to believe you, Gullveig finally said. But that student was no ordinary boyhe is the sole heir of the Duke of Alfheim.
Despite her youthful voice, her tone held a steady authority that inspired confidence.
Belials lips curved into a lazy smile. I can offer compensation. As for the Duke, well, you know I just came from the Elven homeland. That letter I sent you? I had to rely on the Dukes assistance to deliver it. Perhaps I could write to him, explain the situation. Considering the help Ive provided him, he might be willing to overlook my recklessness.
Empty promises flowed easily from her tongue.
Whether the Duke would actually forgive herBelial couldnt care less. If he sought retribution after dealing with the Church, well by then, who knew where she would be?
Gullveig accepted her proposalpartially. There is also the matter of the teacher.
Ah, yes. The unfortunate instructor Frey had crushed upon landing.
Gullveigs expression remained unreadable. I trust you will apologize and compensate him for his injuries. However, there is one more issuehe will be unable to teach until he recovers.
Belial raised an eyebrow. Was he injured that badly?
Gullveig nodded. He had only recently returned from the Miasma Forest, where he sustained wounds while preparing for this terms field lessons. He had been managinguntil now.
A slow realization dawned.
Belials gaze sharpened. What do you want me to do?
Gullveig smiled. He teaches spellcasting. Perhaps you could substitute for him?
A trap.
Belial leaned back. She didnt mind staying, but she feigned reluctance. That seems rather impulsive.
I believe your skill speaks for itself, Gullveig countered.
Belial sighed. I doubt the studentsor their parentswill take me seriously.
We can call you a teaching assistant. A trainee instructor, if you will. In time, your competence will earn their respect.
Belial smirked. Fine. If this was the price of her recklessness, shed pay it.
Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Frey was locked in a battle of wills with the school nurse.
His friends were baffled. Why wont you just rest? You might even get out of classes for a few days!
Frey gritted his teeth against the pain. I dont understand it either.
Why had that girlwho looked so much like his motherbeen at the school?
Why had she struck him the moment they met?
Fueled by the wild theories from his many novels, he entertained a troubling suspicionwas she his sister?
Same mother, same father? Or perhaps just the same mother?
Given her blatant hostility, the latter seemed more likely.
He needed answers.
Dragging his aching body, he made his way to the Headmistresss officeonly to find someone already waiting outside.
Abyss? Unlike the students who feared the undead, Frey made no effort to hide his distaste. What are you doing here?
Belial emerged from the office just in time to hear his voice.
Abyss?
Her gaze flicked toward him in surprise.
So this was him?
Her fathers old nemesis.
The necromancer who would one day deal a crushing blow to Emperor Baldur.