Chapter 202: A Quiet Understanding

Andras remained seated beside Seraphina’s bed. Her earlier words still lingered in his mind.

*I’m glad you’re here.*

He understood the meaning. He also knew the expected response. Knowing the appropriate words and genuinely wanting to say them were different matters. He had remained silent then. Now, looking at her face, he decided the moment should not stay unanswered.

He reached for her hand.

"I’m glad too."

Seraphina’s fingers closed around his.

"You gave me quite a scare."

Her lips curved faintly.

"Really? I thought you wouldn’t be worried about something like that."

"Is that what you think of your fiancé?"

"You do have an unusual way of showing concern."

Andras glanced at their joined hands.

"Perhaps I should improve."

"Perhaps."

Her smile remained, though the exhaustion beneath it was clear. After a short silence, she looked at him again.

"Do you remember what you told me before the attack?"

"Which part?"

"When the invasion began. You told me not to waste mana on anyone I couldn’t defeat quickly. And that if we were separated, I should prioritize my own survival."

"I remember."

"I tried to follow your advice."

Andras waited for her to continue.

"But I couldn’t avoid the demon I encountered. Its arms extended farther than they should have. Every time I thought I had put enough distance between us, its attacks still reached me."

He already knew. Draegor. Abyssal Reach.

"I used Wind Blades to keep it away," she continued. "When it closed in, I relied on Gale Barrier. I damaged one of its joints, but that wasn’t enough." Her expression tightened. "I realized ordinary attacks wouldn’t finish it. So I used Skyfall Tempest."

"Your Fifth Circle spell."

She nodded.

"I thought it would end the fight. Even after taking the full force of the spell, it was still standing." Her fingers tightened around his. "By then my mana was nearly gone. I couldn’t cast another powerful spell, and its attacks were getting harder to avoid." She lowered her gaze. "I thought I was going to die."

Andras said nothing. He remembered the moment clearly. He had arrived just in time to stop the killing blow. When he saw her barely able to stand, something cold and sharp had stirred inside him. He had found the sensation unsettling then. He still could not fully explain it.

"That’s when you arrived," Seraphina said. "You stepped between us even though you were already injured."

"It was about to kill you."

"I know." She paused. "When I saw you standing there, I realized something."

"What?"

"I don’t want to keep relying on you to protect me." Her voice was quiet but firm. "After our duel in Darkmoor, I already knew how quickly you were improving. Even though I won, I could tell you wouldn’t stay at the same level for long. I started wondering how much stronger you would become while I remained where I was." She looked at him directly. "When you saved me from that demon, I realized I don’t want to always be someone you have to rescue. I want to become strong enough to stand beside you. I don’t want to be a burden, and I don’t want to fall behind."

Andras considered her words. He had expected the duel to push her. He had not expected her to connect that motivation so directly to the invasion.

"You’ve already made considerable progress," he said.

"Not enough."

"You’re demanding of yourself."

"Someone has to be."

He looked at her for a moment, then gave a faint smile.

"Then I suppose I’ll have to keep improving as well."

Seraphina’s expression brightened slightly.

"Of course. I wouldn’t want you to become complacent."

"Don’t worry. That won’t happen."

She chuckled softly, but the sound quickly turned into a tired breath. Andras noticed.

"You should save your energy."

"I know." She leaned back against the pillow. "By the way, I really did master the structure of Skyfall Tempest recently."

"Recently?"

"After our duel in Darkmoor. I wanted to become stronger, so I spent more time studying advanced spells through my Celestial Codex."

That explained it. Her talent allowed her to comprehend and reproduce spells beyond her current circle. Understanding a spell and having enough mana to cast it, however, were separate matters. Skyfall Tempest had demonstrated that limitation clearly.

"Mastering a Fifth Circle spell is still impressive," he said.

Seraphina smiled.

"I know."

"You’re pleased with yourself."

"Shouldn’t I be?"

"Perhaps."

Andras looked at her quietly.

*Celestial Codex.*

An S-Rank talent with significant potential. Its ability to analyze magical structures and accelerate comprehension would be valuable for his own research. He had wanted it long before the invasion. The reasons had been straightforward: improve his understanding of magic, develop new spells, and eventually create techniques others could not easily replicate.

His conversation with Sephtis had given him another objective.

*It would be far more convenient if she simply couldn’t act against me.*

He had begun considering a method of magical restraint—not merely binding the body, but interfering with the connection between mana and the soul. If successful, it could restrict actions, seal certain abilities, and make betrayal far more difficult. A method like that would be particularly useful against Sephtis. A demon capable of concealing her identity and escaping when the situation turned against her was difficult to control through ordinary means.

The idea was still incomplete. He did not yet know whether it was possible with his current understanding. He would need to study the relationship between mana, consciousness, and the soul, and learn how to establish restrictions without destroying the target’s mind. It was precisely the kind of research for which Celestial Codex would be useful.

*I should acquire it.*

The Devouring System’s second function offered a path. Physical intimacy with a designated female target could allow him to obtain her abilities. Lyra had already served as his first successful test.

Seraphina was different. He wanted her talent, and he did intend to become intimate with her. Ideally sooner rather than later. Still, rushing her would be counterproductive. She was already his fiancée, and the relationship was progressing naturally. He only needed to give it time.

His gaze returned to her.

*Celestial Codex... I wonder how much more useful it would become in my hands.*

"What’s wrong?" Seraphina asked.

"Nothing."

"You were staring at me."

"Am I not allowed to look at my fiancée?"

She gave him a suspicious look.

"You say things like that so casually."

"Would you prefer that I stopped?"

"No."

Her answer came quickly. Andras smiled faintly.

Before either of them could continue, an instructor approached their bed. He carried a small medical assessment device, examined Seraphina’s condition, and checked her mana fluctuations before nodding.

"Your physical injuries have healed, and there are no signs of lingering demonic energy. However, your mana reserves remain dangerously low. Avoid casting spells until you’ve recovered sufficiently."

"I understand."

"You should also avoid unnecessary exertion. If you feel dizzy or experience any discomfort, inform one of the healers immediately." The instructor glanced at Andras. "She may walk if she feels steady, but she shouldn’t push herself. Make sure she rests if she becomes tired."

"I will."

The instructor put the device away.

"The professors have completed their initial sweep of the academy grounds. The immediate threat has passed, so students who have been cleared may leave the shelters."

Seraphina looked up.

"What about the lockdown?"

"It remains in effect. No one is permitted to leave the academy grounds. The professors are still investigating the incident, and the academy’s security measures will remain active until further notice." He paused. "As for the casualties, the official count currently stands at twenty-two students dead. Fifty others were injured, twelve of whom remain in critical condition."

Seraphina’s expression dimmed.

"Twenty-two..."

"Yes. Considering the number of demons involved and the duration of the attack, the losses could have been considerably worse. The professors arrived as quickly as possible and prevented the situation from deteriorating further. The academy is doing everything it can for the injured. You should focus on recovering."

Seraphina lowered her eyes.

"I understand. Thank you for telling us."

The instructor nodded.

"Students who are healthy enough may go to the dining hall for their meals. Those still recovering must remain in the shelters, and food will be brought to them. Anyone who leaves the shelters must return to their assigned residences afterward, unless an instructor gives different instructions."

With that, he moved toward another group of students.

For a while, Seraphina remained silent. Andras watched her.

"You’re thinking about the other students?"

She nodded.

"Twenty-two people died. Some of them were probably people we knew."

"There’s nothing you can do about it now."

"I know." Her fingers tightened around his hand. "I just wish things had turned out differently."

Andras did not offer comforting words. He understood they would be expected, but he had no desire to pretend he shared her feelings. Instead, he gently squeezed her hand. It was the more fitting response, and it required no pretense.

After a moment, Seraphina looked at him again.

"Let’s go eat something."

"Are you sure you’re well enough to walk?"

"The instructor said I could, as long as I didn’t push myself."

"Then we’ll take our time."

Andras helped her sit up, then supported her as she stood. They began walking toward the dining hall.

The western shelter was still crowded, though the atmosphere had grown calmer. Instructors moved between the beds, checking on the injured and assisting those able to leave. The dining hall was quieter than usual. Students sat in small groups, speaking in subdued voices. Some wore bandages. Others simply stared at their food without interest. The usual liveliness of Ambrose Academy was gone.

Andras collected two meals and found an empty table near the windows. Seraphina sat down carefully.

"Thank you."

He placed her meal in front of her.

"Eat. You need your strength."

She looked at the food, then at him.

"You sound like you’re giving me an order."

"Would you prefer a request?"

"Perhaps."

"Then please eat."

She smiled faintly.

"Much better."

They began their meal. For a while, neither spoke much. Seraphina ate slowly, taking occasional breaks. Andras remained quiet. Around them, students continued their meals. Some discussed the invasion. Others avoided the subject. A few seemed unable to concentrate, their attention drifting toward the empty seats around them.

Andras occasionally glanced at Seraphina. She appeared calmer than before, though the casualty report had clearly affected her. He understood the reaction. People became attached to others. They remembered faces, voices, and shared experiences. Losing someone could leave an impression that persisted long after the event. He understood the process. Experiencing it was another matter.

When they finished, Andras stood and waited for her. She rose carefully.

"Ready?"

"Yes."

They left the dining hall together. Night had fully settled over Ambrose Academy. Magical lamps illuminated the stone pathways. The enormous barrier shimmered faintly above the buildings. The academy looked almost peaceful. Almost.

A few instructors continued patrolling, ensuring students followed the lockdown instructions. Andras walked beside Seraphina, matching her slower pace. Neither felt the need to fill the silence. Eventually, they reached the residential building and stopped before a familiar corridor.

Seraphina glanced toward the door bearing the silver plaque.

Room Two.

Then she looked at Andras.

"Andras..."

He met her gaze.

"What is it?"