LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 57.1
Stage 2-26. Night Assault
Time passes, and night falls.
Mashiro and I walked around the second floor of the lodging facility in Rishburg.
“I hope tonight ends without incident.”
“Yeah. That would be best.”
Several discussions had taken place, and the academy decided to continue using this lodging facility.
There was a proposal to use inns within the kingdom, but since the targets were students, scattering them posed a security risk. It was also possible to inconvenience the general public, so a facility that could easily concentrate the students was chosen.
The students were strictly instructed not to leave their rooms under any circumstances.
The facility is five stories tall. Pairs of two patrol each floor.
There was opposition to having us participate, but there were not enough teachers, so with a strong directive from Frone, student council members were exceptionally deployed.
Reina and the other academy heads waited in the central command room as the last line of defense. At the first sign of trouble, they would head to the scene.
Alice, who had heard about the incidents, was itching to join, but employing her as a maid excluded her from the patrols…
She was stationed in a designated location.
“For now, tonight is crucial. If we get through this, we can set sail.”
Just in case the missing students returned, departure was postponed until tomorrow.
If they were kidnapped, catching the culprit meant bringing everyone back safely.
The missing students, of course, included nobles’ children.
For the pride of the magic academy, we cannot let it end like this.
“Yes, but… hmm…”
“Something wrong?”
“I was just wondering what the culprits want. If it were a ransom, they should have made their demands by now.”
“…True. They must have more than enough hostages.”
Thinking deeply brings up more questions.
“It’s odd they’d target the representatives specifically. There are easier targets on this island if it’s just about money.”
Many students like Karen came to cheer on their own expense.
So why target the representatives…?
“…Is it because they’re exceptional as mages…?”
If that’s the case, then here in Rishburg, they would target…!
— And it comes suddenly, without warning.
“…! Mashiro, are you here!?”
“Yes, I’m fine!”
I instantly reached out toward where Mashiro was standing. Feeling her securely, I pull her close.
This softness confirms it—it’s Mashiro.
“Mashiro. Can you turn on the magical light?”
“O-Okay, one moment.”
She takes out the magical light from her pocket and switches it on.
The light illuminates us, and I realize just how close we’re standing.
“S-Sorry, Ouga-kun. It’s probably hard to walk. I’ll move away…”
“No, stay like this. Hold on tight.”
“Huh? W-Wait, ahhh!”
I scoop Mashiro up and head toward the first floor.
If my guess is right, there are two likely targets tonight.
One of them, Mashiro, is safe. Which means—
“Gwahhhh!”
“Ouga-kun! That voice!”
“Yeah! Below…!”
Damn, how did I miss something so obvious?
Turning frustration at myself into energy, I surge forward.
As soon as we reach the first floor, Mashiro’s light illuminates the area.
Near the entrance, two male teachers I recognize lie collapsed.
“Hey! Are you alright?!”
“Sensei!”
We rush to check their injuries.
There are minor scrapes, but nothing life-threatening.
“…Ugh… Y-You guys…”
One of them opens his eyes at our voices.
Good… he’s conscious.