Chapter 51: Volume II - Chapter 17: First Step to the End

"We're leaving."

With the sound of footsteps following behind me, I headed for the secret passage built to escape possible attacks.

There is a strange emptiness inside me. I don't know what to do now because I won't have to deal with anyone for a long time.

Should I visit Clara while the academy is on break? Although there will definitely be an award ceremony after what we accomplished in the preliminary.

I was lost in thought, but then I slowed down my steps and stopped walking. The guards also paused, as did I.

Something was... wrong.

"Huh?"

Before I knew what was happening, I suddenly felt a tremendous pressure coming from behind me. I couldn't move a muscle, I just froze in place.

The room suddenly felt cold, like I was standing in the middle of the poles. Every single one of my hairs stood up, one by one. I started to shiver.

"Aahh!"