A/N: Heya ! It's been 5 months, right ?

Once again, I'm very very sorry for such a long wait without giving any news.

There were many things happening with my internship work and my research for a new course: after finishing my degree in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Computing, I'll now work on a Computer Science bachelor's degree starting September 22th for at least 3 years of course...

Don't worry, I will still continue to find time to write, and I'll make sure to find a writing rhythm this time.

Anyway, thank you for being patient ! We're now in the climax of the book 1 !

You can now check how the Yellow helmet man looks like in the picture above and it was draw by myself ! Sorry if you find my drawing and edit bad, but I still haven't found an artist who could draw it for me yet... Hope you like his design, though !

#Fact 12: Travis got already a liking on video games well before he found the game Octopath Traveler. But the very first game which he witnessed from a player was Super Mario Maker on Nintendo 3DS.

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLEEEE !!!!!

The original first flame was burning with such an intensity that it warmed up the whole shrine room... and came back as a soft flame.

"..."

"..."

No one was talking, but 2 people were staring at each other with such an immeasurable tension which manifested between them.

On the flame's side, a man, wearing a yellow helmet, was standing in the middle of the room, holding firmly the work 'The Church of the Flame: A complete Historie' with carefulness.

And at the other side, at the entrance of the room, a small boy no older than 6 years old, glared seriously at the man.

He might be small, but the space around himself was so vast that he seemed to be the one who drew most attention. Also, he was determined, ready at all to prevent the yellow helmet man's plan to succeed...

~Travis' POV~

Finally, I managed to reach the castle after running through the city for like half an hour and fighting those giant statues.

It was quite hard, especially when I had to save that poor baby, and I might have already lost a lot of time to deal with the bad guy.

He was just there... the man with the Yellow Helmet... standing menacingly in the middle of the room...

But me too, I was standing menacingly, even though if he was too tall.

When I think about it, he was really scaring me before with his creepy yellow helmet...
And honestly... I was still feeling a bit frightened when he was there a front of me.

But now... I mostly feel angry.

Between the fact he attacked my friends, and that he destroyed not only H'aanit's village about also Atlasdam... I was so frustrated that I would forget every times he spooked me.

I really wanted to stop him for good... Maybe he managed to beat me the other day in that cavern... but it's not because he was too strong that I won't let him explode the city with the Sacred Flame !

Indeed, I'm sure I was stronger than last time we fought !

But anyway... I couldn't go backwards anymore, now...

I noticed what he was holding...

'!!!... He has the book which the Professor and I were looking for !...'

He must have started the ritual the Professor told me about !

"Listen to me, little one !...", called me a voice.

"?..."

I saw the princess, on the left, with still her legs stuck under these damn rocks, and who watched desperately at me.

"You are truly in great danger... I beg you ! Do not stay here ! Get away from that man !"

"..."

I said nothing, this time...

I knew that she was in trouble, but I was also pissed towards him.

Actually, he wanted to speak with her now.

"That is pointless, princess, to even try reasoning that lad... You can see that he isn't the kind of kid who would listen to us with no fuss...", he answered to her coldly before he added. "Indeed, if that could reassure you, your grace... even though he looks to not have reached the age of reason yet... he has much more guts than all of your knights reunited."

"..."

I let him speak again, still staying silent as the princess still looked worried.

"Indeed... This boy is another reason of my sudden presence here, your Highness... We already meet each other at several times from a way or another... But even though it's my goal to capture him... he was aware that he ran into a trap since the beginning.", he then turned at me. "Isn't that right, Travis ?"

"..."

Still silent but angry, I made the yellow helmet man sighing.

"Don't you want to tell me something, right now ?... You too, you have the right to speak in this sacred room..."

'Well... If he wishes so...'

"In the desert... you weren't acting normal...", I mumbled coldly.

"..."

He seemed concerned, now, as I added again.

"But tell me, you bike rider... What do you know about Primrose ?..."

"!!!..."

This time, he flinched at my question.

I pointed angrily my finger towards him and raised my voice.

"You see !... You just froze again when I said her name ! So, what do you know about her ?!"

"And you ?!... Do you really know her by heart ?!...", he finally responded with a higher tone, still a bit calm, as he added. "All I can tell you, little guy, is that I knew this woman more than anyone else would have ever done !... That she has danced on her 2 feet for a longer time than you could ever imagine !..."

"!!!..."

As I was concerned, and the Princess quite confused, the man wanted to justify himself.

"Sadly, we all learn, one day, to make difficult choices during our short but eventful lives ! Sometimes... I cannot stop to think about her...", he seemed pensive and honest, his hand against his chest when he declared. "But if I could really help her when I got the occasion... I would have already done it without any problem."

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZLLLLLEEE !!!!

The Sacred Flame burned violently behind, just like my anger.

"But why are you talkin' about ?! And why someone like you would care so much about her ?!", I yelled angrily.

"Haven't you come here for another most important reason than this ?!", he exclaimed at me.

FWIII !!

I noticed his hand was now covered by that sort of green magic again. The thing with the invincible shield !

He declared coldly while clenching hardly his gloved fist.

"If you really want so much to know... You will have to earn it !"

"YAAAAAHHH !!!"

GZZZZZZZZ !!!

I charged towards him, feeling too much angry to be scared by this man.

"..."

I saw him getting ready to hit me again, still looking so chill by the way he stood.

He was now expecting me to attack him, so he could avoid and hit me back again like he did in that cave the other day... Or that what he thought !

GZZZZZ !!!

"!!!..."

I quickly went at the left and dashed instead towards the princess !

Her leg was stuck by these rocks, and I wanted to save her first instead of attacking the bad guy first !

'I'll just have to kick them and... !!!'

WOOSH !

The yellow helmet quickly appeared a front of me !

"We really need to figure out what you really want !"

SBAAMM !

"AAARGH !!"

He kicked me by my side, making me flying away and keeping me away from the princess !

'No way !'

I feel quite pissed, but I managed to flip and land safely on the ground.

"!!!..."

I watched at the Princess who looked worried after the blow I received, while the yellow helmet man was now standing in front of her...

FWIIII !...

...and surrounded his arm of that strange green magic again.

'Damn !... He won't let me go to help her !'

I watched at her as she keeps trying to remove the heavy rocks from her feet, but without success.

'I don't want any of my lightnings to hit the princess while fighting him !'

Wooosh !

"!!!.."

He then also dashed towards me, ready to strike me but

"GZZZZZ !!!"

I also dashed towards him, surrounded my feet of lightnings, and jumped

CLAAAAASH !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

My lightning kick was hitting hard his green magic covered arm, and the shock was so powerful that there was a mix of blue and green light at the impact !

Many lightnings were unleashing while I tried to push further on his arms, gritting my teeth angrily.

"..."

I felt him pushed a bit harder, not matter how hard I could !

'Quick !'

GZZZZZZZZ !!!

I then pushed my feet so hard that I jumped in the airs, did a spin, and landed.

GZZZZZZ !!!

I then quickly charged again towards him, while surrounding myself of lightning again, especially around my fists and feet.

The yellow helmet man just stood there and covered his both fists of green magic when I jumped and started punching him several times.

GZZZZ !!! GZZZ ! SBROM !!

GZZZZ !!! GZZZ ! SBROM !!

My punch were quick and hard, but he also tried to punch me with them, and so we attacked at the same time !

He tried to kick me, but I jumped quicker, and I was about to strike him a punch from above.

GZZZZZZZZZ !!!!

"aaaaaaAAAAAAHHHH !!!"

FWWIIIIIIII !!!

CLAAAAAAAASH !!!

SCRAAAAAAATCHHHH !!!

"Ngh !!!!!!"

He summoned a green shield around him while I continued to keep punching it. I continued to surround my fist of magic to make sure I could finally break that damn barrier !

"raaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!"

I kept punching that thing, but that damn force field still didn't break !

And now, I saw the yellow helmet man about to hit my stomach with his other fist !

'Quick !'

FWWII !!

GZZZZZZZZZZZZTTTT !!!

I avoided quickly at lightning speed and bounced on a marble pillar !!

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZTTTT !!!

And then I bounced on the ground !

GZZZZZZZZZZZZTTT !!!

And then on the wall and...

CLAAAAAAAAASHHH !!!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

I now kicked another area of the force field again with my powerful lightnings !

However, he saw me again and moved his hand.

FWIIIIIIII !!!

"!!!..."

He moved his magic shield a little and tried to knock me with it, but thankfully I dodged again !

CLAAAASH !!

CLASH !!!

CLASHH !!!

I keep bouncing in every senses and attacking the force field from every sides, really wanting to break it for good while he keep hiding like a turtle inside his shell !

I was then about to kick one more time the field when

FWIII !!!

The force field suddenly disappeared before I hit it and

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

He kicked me on the chest !

I rolled during my fall when he dashed again and wanted to punch me.

SBROOOOM !!!

"NGH !"

I avoided, but he hit the floor so violently that the impact made me flying away !

"If you keep behaving like this, I might gonna break some bones of yours, my boy !", the yellow helmet man exclaimed to me calmly.

"..."

I glared angrily at him and managed to get up quickly before dashing towards him.

FWIIIII !!!

Once again, he created that magic shield again surrounding him, and I started to be annoyed that he keeps using it.

But...

"YaaaaahhhhHHHH !!!"

"!!!"

SBROOOM !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

I punched hard on the ground like he did, just at the limit of the force field, and

FWIIIII !!!!

The force was so strong that it make the ground shake and forced my enemy to jump back !

'NOW !'

SCRAAAAATCH !!!

I then pushed my feet so hard on the tile that I jumped very quick towards him and

GZZZZZZZ !!!!

SBUNK !!!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!!

I kicked him so hard on his helmet that I wanted it to explose !

Woosh !

I sent him flying away towards the wall...

But he quickly flipped and landed his feet on the wall before he jumped towards me again...

'No way !... He also knows super mario' skills !'

FWIII !!!

SBUNK !

He punched me as I tried to block his blow with my lightning crossed arms.

"Ngh !"

However, the impact was quite painful when I noticed his helmet still intact.

But how ?!

"!!!..."

His helmet... was covered by a green field too !!!

He then mumbled.

"Defense increased by 50%... Have you ever heard about that line in a game ?!"

"!!!..."

FWOOOSH !!

He then sent me flying on the marble pillar !

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

CRASH !

It really hurtS me, but thankfully I also protected my body with lightning before I would break my skull !

I then landed on the ground and breathed, with still my body covered by lightning, but also of bruises...

"..."

He looked at me again.

"Really ? Is that all you..."

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

"!!!!"

I quickly managed to bounce several times on the walls, surprising him while he was just talking, when I jumped towards his helmet again.

"..."

He covered it of green magic again...

GZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAATCH !

I then covered my feet of lightnings, of many many lightnings, surprising him !

"!!!..."

He wanted to step back to avoid and

"HHAAAAAAAA !!!"

I kicked upwards to aim his chin, barely touching it and

SBUUNK !!!

SCRAAAAAAAATCH !!!

"AAAARGH !"

He yelled in pain after being hit !

But instead of touching him with my feet.... I stroke him with the lighting magic surrounding my feet !

SBROOOM !

The yellow helmet man was then thrown at the wall, breaking it, but he quickly managed to land on the ground !

As I landed as well, I watched him holding his helmet due to the pain, and noticed it was a little damaged.

GZZZZZZZT ! GZZZZZZT !!!

My body was still covered of lightning, especially still around my feet.

'The Professor was right ! If I use more magic around my fists or my feet, I can really hit harder ! And even without touching them !'

The yellow helmet man slowly stood up and get ready as I exclaimed !

"I can show you more, if you want ! No matter how hard are your powers, I'll always find a way to hit even harder !"

GZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I dashed towards him at quick speed when the yellow helmet man said.

"Well, forgive me... For being too nice with you !"

He sidestepped to the left very quickly !

'!!!... He's faster than before !'

"Speed increased by 50%..."

I tried to follow him when he suddenly appeared a front of me and prepared a punch !

"!!!"

"Attack increased by 50% !"

SBUUUUUNKKK !!

"Ngh !!"

SCRAAAAAAATCH !!

As I tried to block the attack with my crossed arms covered with as much lightning as possible, his blow was so powerful that I had trouble to counter it !

"AAAHH !!!"

I was thrown again towards a wall where I quickly bounced on it !

GZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I tried to jump back to him when

WOOOSH !!

"??!!!..."

He quickly appeared at quick speed above me like he knew where I was going !

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

He then kicked me upwards with his leg covered by that green magic !

It hurts so much that I had to cover my entire body of magic to protect my body !

SBROOOM !

"Ngh !"

I was violently thrown at the ceiling !

During my fall, I saw him preparing something...

'No !... He's gonna hit me again !'

So, I decided to act quickly, covering my fist with my other hand, surrounding them of lightnings, and getting ready !

He was about to kick me again at the landing, but I aimed his feet and

"aaAAAAAHHH !!!"

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH !!!!

I hit his leg with my both hands the hardest I could, and our attacks lasted so long as there was many magic of blue electricity and green shield around the impact !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!!!

I could slightly feel the yellow helmet man hitting harder due to his magic power to make his attack stronger, so I decided to use even more lightnings !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

CLAAAAAAAAAAASH !

A small explosion of lightning at the impact repealed both of us at opposite directions !

"!!!..."

While I was flying away, I saw the princess, still stuck under these rocks, being shocked to see such a fight between us !

The yellow helmet, him, might be flying away towards the exit, but it looks like he was about to recover easily as I knew him...

"..."

"..."

Honestly, I was really surprised by the impact of our attacks, as it almost knocked me down...

Though, I managed to open my eyes... and see... I was flying towards...

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLEEEE !!!

The sacred flame !

"!!!..."

As the yellow helmet finally understood, it was too late for me to prevent me to do it !

I smiled and let myself flying towards the flamepit !

'NOW !'

GZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAATCH !

I surrounded my feet of blue lightning and went towards the blue flame, ready to break it for good so I could prevent that ritual and save the city !

"aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH !!!!"

CLAAAAAAH !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

I kicked so hard the flamepit with the momentum I gathered and a good amount of magic around my feet that I was only thinking about destroying it !

'Even though I might not be able to beat him... It's much more important to save everyone's lives by breaking that damn thing !'

'No way I let that flame explode like the last time in that crystal cavern !'

SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

I kicked the hardest I could, wanting so much to break it and...

FWIIII !!

'?!!!'

'It's... It's still hard !...'

I watched the flamepit when my eyes widened in shock...

"!!!..."

'A green barrier ?!'

The flamepit I tried to destroy... It was intact ! Covered by the same green magic than him !

It's like my attack was useless against it !

SCRAAAATCH ! Gzz ! Gzz !

I fell on the floor, feeling a little tired after using so much electricity...

"N-no way !..."

The princess was also shocked that my attack didn't work.

"Hu hu hu hu hu !..."

"!..."

I heard the yellow helmet man chuckling low, as he walked throughout the room.

"Travis, Travis, Travis... Do you really think the only thing which I could cover of green shield was myself ?..."

"!!!..."

So... he covered it himself ?!...

I tried to stand up with difficulty while glaring at him while he was standing still in the middle of the room...

Fizzle !

Fizzle !

"!!!..."

His hands were covered of... blue flames !

"What do you think what I had the time to do when you took so long to come here, my boy ?..."

FIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZLLLLE !!!

"!!!..."

He created a large wave of blue flame with the palm of his hand !

GZZZZZZ !!!!!

WOOOSH !!!

SBROOOOOOOM !!!

I quickly jumped in the airs in time, while I was surprised by how powerful was that flame !

It even destroyed the wall behind me like it was just cardboard !

"!!!..."

FIIIIIIIZZZLE !!!

A blue pillar of flame just appeared and almost touched me !

"AAAAAHHH !!"

I was repelled by the blew of the attack !

'That fire!... It's more powerful than Therion's !...'

"Ngh !"

I fell on the ground when

WOOOSH !

SBUNK !

The yellow helmet man kicked me of nowhere !

"ARGH !"

CRASH !!!

"Ngh !"

I was thrown towards the wall as it hurt so much, and started to be exhausted as I tried to stand again...

"Do you know what kind of power I managed to get while preparing the ritual ? Doesn't it remind you of something ?!...", the yellow helmet man asked me while surrounding this fist of blue fire again.

'He's gonna attack again !'

FIIIIIZZZZZZLLEEE !!!

CRAAAASH !

He created another wave of fire towards me but I quickly sidestepped and dashed towards him instead !

Indeed, he was right... His new magic looked like mine...

But instead of using blue lightnings... there were blue flames.

GZZZZZZZZ !!!

I dashed hardly towards him at lightning speed, as I had to be quick before he attacks again with those flames.

Fizzle ! Fizzle !

GZZZZZZ !!!

He prepared his blue fire attacks, so I sidestepped quickly to bypass him but

WOOOOSHHH !!

He also appeared at quick speed a front of me due to his speed powers !

"!!!..."

Fizzle ! Fizzle !

He raised his hands as he was about to use his blue flames powers again !

I have to know where he will exactly aim before avoiding !

"..."

He created a blue orb of fire above him...

"WATCH OUT !", screamed the princess.

"!!!..."

My eyes widened as I just got a bad feeling and

CRAAAAASH !!!

FIIIIIIIZZZZZZLLLLLEEEEE !!!

He threw the blue fire ball above him and created a blue explosion of fire right a front of me !

No way I could escape the attack in time !...

GZZZZZZZ !!!

Right before the blue explosion reached me, I covered my face with my arms, and my entire body with as many blue lightnings I could...

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLLEEEE !!!

I was now submerged by a wave of blue fire !

"NGH !!!..."

It was very hot, and I felt that I was about to burn, but I keep covering myself of magic all over again !...

I wanted so much to protect myself, but the fire hurt me so much that I had to close my eyes and strengthen my fists to resist.

"Ngh !..."

GZZZZZZZZZZ !!!!!

I managed to open my eyes a little, as I was still inside the blue wave of flame, and I could see the yellow helmet man.

"..."

He continued to throw me that wave of fire towards me, and I noticed the princess trying desperately to free herself just to help me...

CRAAAAAAAACKLE !!

It was really hot...

The color reminded me so much of the blue space when I was teleported from a place to another...

I don't know if I could still...

CRAAAAAAAAACKLE !!!

The wind of his blue wave suddenly became more powerful, making me flying away !

"..."

I was finally outside of his attack...

But it hurts me everywhere...

My body was all hot and injured...

"NGH !..."

I fell on the entrance's carpet several times before my landing.

"!!!..."

'It... burns !...'

Even outside the flame, it was like I was still inside the explosion...

I was lying desperately on the ground, and my whole body was covered of bruises.

My clothes were very damaged and burned, as they didn't seem to have resisted as much as I did...

My eyes... I could still open them, but everything was blurred...

I was so hurt and tired.

"..."

I tried to move my arm and to stand up...

"Ngh !..."

My muscle hurts me so much when I tried to do so...

"Ha..."

I shivered a lot while breathing and trying to recover...

"..."

I watched him again, standing in the middle of the room, and witnessed by the hopeless golden-haired princess who still tried to free herself.

"Tss tss tss ! Don't move."

He said in a firm voice.

"!..."

"..."

'No way I could let him win...'

'I have to save the princess...'

'...and destroy that damn flamepit...'

'Else...'

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLEEEE !!!

The blue sacred flame burned very high and started to destroy the ceiling, making a few rocks falling...

'Everything will be destroyed...'

'And everyone I know will disappear...'

"Ngh !..."

I tried again to go up with my 2 hands, but it hurt me again...

'No way... that I lose... today...'

I wanted so much to not give up, but my body was so hurt and tired that it didn't want to obey me...

"..."

The yellow helmet man approached me when he knelt and watched me in the eyes...

I watched at him back while breathing hardly when he spoke.

"You have all my respect, little one... Even if you have lost that battle, believe me, but it wasn't a total failure of yours..."

"..."

His voice was so calm when he was speaking to me, even if his helmet was hurt a little and that I could see him being a little exhausted...

"I saw the determination in your eyes, in each blow you gave me, and each time you avoided my attacks... Especially during my final blow when you protected yourself with your lightnings... Without them, you might have finished like a rotten fish..."

"..."

He was really congratulating me of fighting him for so long...

'But... I don't care about your thanking...'

'It's not what I wanted...'

He then stood up and looked down at me.

"You became stronger since the last time we fought... But sadly, my will is still stronger than yours, no matter what you think... There is nothing more you can do, now... You have lost that battle... and you're all alone..."

"..."

"Not anymore !...", said a voice.

"!!!!...."

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLE !!!!!

Suddenly, a large wave of fire appeared of nowhere between me and the yellow helmet man, surprising him !

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLEEEE !!!!

FWWWWWIIIIIII !!

He created a force field around him to protect himself from another fire attack, but he was still repelled by the blow of the attack !

The wave of fire was still burning well, separating the room in 2, with the yellow helmet man on a side, and the princess and I on the other.

'But !... Who did this ?!...'

'!!!...'

I heard a few steps walking quietly from behind, and a familiar silhouette finally appeared.

Crackle !

His hand created a fire and revealed him as... the Professor Albright himself !

"If you desire to go all-in to master the extent of your powers... why don't you fight someone using the same magical element ?", he told him coldly.

I didn't expect him to be there so soon, but I was finally glad that he was there !

Also, I've never seen him being so angry towards someone...

"PROFESSOR !", I shouted to him.

"PROFESSOR ALBRIGHT !", exclaimed the stuck princess.

"Ah, Travis, your Highness... Apologize for my tardiness... Because of me, I cannot handle to imagine all the pain you must have endured during all that time...", he told us calmly when he called the yellow helmet man. "Isn't that right, whoever you are ?!"

"Ooh... A powerful wizard arriving from nowhere to destroy me, I'm so afraid...", said coldly but ironically the yellow helmet man while standing up when he added. "No, no. I was just joking... I like to meet new faces... Or not really for you, as well..."

'?!... What does he mean ?'

As I was confused, the yellow helmet man didn't seem annoyed by the scholar's presence, who said quietly.

"So, my theory was well right, uh ?"

"P-professor ! How did you... managed to get here so quickly ?...", I asked him with exhaustion.

"Well, the castle was well guarded by the guardians, outside... So, I needed the help of someone to find a way out..."

"W-what do you mean ?", I started to become confused.

"MARY ! TRAVIS ! ARE YOU ALRIGHT ?!", called a voice.

"THERESE ?!", I called.

We just saw Therese rushing inside the place and going to help the Princess first !

She quickly removed the rocks and helped her getting up.

"Thanks the 12 gods... You're alright...", said the Princess while supporting her arm on Therese's shoulder.

"I'm so sorry to not have come earlier... I should have believed that it wasn't really you !...", answered Therese while she glared at the yellow helmet man.

"I see... She knew there was a secret shortcut to reach the castle, and you used it to bypass the main entrance... Am I right ?", said calmly the yellow helmet man to Cyrus.

"Ha... Ha..."

I finally managed to get up, even if it still hurt me and that I could lose my balance at anytime.

Maybe I was finally glad the Professor was there to help me.

"Travis !", he called me and asked me. "If you can still walk, bring the girls back to safety while I'll handle him !"

"I can't leave you alone, Professor !"

"Just go !", he exclaimed at me, as he looked well determined.

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEE !!!

The sacred flame burned again the ceiling so violently that the ground started to shake !

Its power became greater than before !

I still hesitated, watched Cyrus with his hands covered of fire, the Yellow helmet man with blue fire around his hands, and also Therese helping the Princess to walk.

"Kof ! Kof ! Kof !"

There was no time to left, but I've never seen the Professor being so serious, even if I would still worry for him.

"Professor !", I told him with trustful eyes as I continued. "You would better beat this lemon head and be still alive ! I'm trusting you !"

"You have my words ! Me too, I have my faith in you, Travis !", he looked back at me with a smile.

"..."

He looked so honest despite the situation...

"What did this boy just call me ?!", said the yellow helmet man while being calm yet a bit pissed.

FIIIIZZZZZLLLE !!!

He attacked Cyrus with a blue flamethrower but

KRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!!

The scholar protected himself with a wall of ice and created an ice wind towards him, stucking him !

"NOW ! GO !", shouted Cyrus !

"Over there, girls !"

I shouted to Therese and the Princess who followed me, as we all left the place with Cyrus still inside.

'Lemon head... That's a good one !...'

~Cyrus' POV~

Now my 3 students left the shrine room in direction of the safety exit, I could now focus on handling that masked criminal.

"..."

He was still stuck and immobile in that wall of ice, but I preferred to stay cautious...

Fizzle ! Fizzle !

Blue fire covered his hands again, until he covered his entire body of it and

KSSSSSHHHHHH !!!

He easily melted the ice spell with his flames and

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLEEEEEEE !!!

He threw a blue fire ball in my direction !

CRAAAAAAAAAAACKLEEEE !!!

I created a very large pillar of flame a front of me and

SBROOOOOOOOOOM !!!

It parried the spell by creating an explosion of fire !

GZZZZZZ !!!

I quickly sidestepped and prepared a lightning spell while speaking.

"I could say the boy was well right when he told me how tough you were..."

SCRAAAAAAATCH !!!!

FWIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

GZZZZZ !!!

I shoot at him a blast of lightning while he shielded himself with his crossed arms by summoning a smaller force field !

As he started to cover his entire body with a bigger green shield, I managed to shoot even more lightning magic. There were so many lightnings covering his forcefield that he seemed to be trapped inside it !

FIIIIZLE !!

Inside the green electrified bubble, he prepared another blue fire spell and aimed at his feet.

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZLLLLE !!!

CRAAAAAAACKLLE !!

Suddenly, a trail of blue fire appeared through the ground and rushed to my direction !

"However..."

CRAAAAAAACKLE !!

I stopped my lightning spell to avoid his blue flames and prepared some fire spells.

Crackle ! Crackle !

"... with that new and terribly interesting power of yours, your magical powers seem to have been well multiplied ! Am I wrong ?!"

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLEEE !!!

I created a wave of fire in his direction, but he jumped in the airs to avoid and made a stunt before landing on the side and preparing a new spell !

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZLLLLLEEEE !!!

KRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!

I protected myself with a wall of ice that I keep summoning while he kept melting it with his blue flamethrower !

"Well, if you were so interested by that the fella's story... I must congratulate you to have finally found me !"

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEE !!!!

"Thank you, but..."

As the ice started to melt even more, I quickly bent down and put my both hands on the ground and started to burn it !

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLLLEEEE !!!!

"...that wasn't an easy thing to find out..."

A sea of fire was about to burn his feet when he aimed at the ground and

FIIIIIIIIIIZZZLLLEE !!!

He propelled himself in the airs with his blue flames !

What a unique but great use of his magical powers !

"However, as we were actively tracking you down for a while, by reflecting much..."

I stayed calm while aiming towards him again.

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCHHHH !!!

He protected himself with his forcefield again as I threw him towards the wall !

"... you were indeed closer from us than we thought you would be !"

As I keep shooting him the lightning spell, he managed to move on the side and threw me a blue fire ball spell.

FIZZZZLE !!!

I avoided as he freed himself and we continued to exchanges offensive magic spells !

"Don't you remember, in the study ?!", I reminded him as I explained my deduction. "That is obvious ! You were already there when Travis and I were looking for the Professor Russel MacDouglas !"

"..."

He stayed calm while trying to burn me several times, and avoiding my attacks, while I pursued my theory.

"During this moment, you took the appearance of 2 persons: the first one, as obviously that of Russel during our "duel"... But after "Russel" created that explosion of light to blind us, you moved the real Russel's corpse to fool us before impersonating... the Princess Mary herself !", I exclaimed while shooting 2 fireballs at him as I added. "Then, you locked himself inside one of the cells, while the true heir of the Throne was locked somewhere else in the Royal Palace. And after... that was a piece of cake for you, to gain the trust of the scholar's community and the court, and pursue your plans without problem !"

"Well...", the yellow helmet man suddenly rushed and approached me. "Your reputation was well-earned, I see..."

SBUNK !

"Argh !"

He punched me in the torso with his shielded fist, making me fall a few meters away when he rushed towards me again.

"HAAAAA !!!"

KSSSSSSSHHHHHHH !!!!

I quickly created an ice wind to slow him down !

"..."

He protected himself and covered his fist of blue flames but !...

CRAAAAAAAACKLE !!!!

I quickly shifted to a fire storm spell to repel him again as I asked him.

"So... were you finally the one who killed Russel ?!"

"Who knows ?...", he responded quietly.

WOOOSH !

He dashed towards me and grabbed my wrists, trying to burn me with his blue flames but

FIIIIZZZLLLEEE !!

CRAAACKLE !!!!

I burned my hands as well and made him release me, as he threw me again to another side of the room !

"Ngh !"

After my fall, I quickly managed to get up.

'Damn ! Physical combat has never been my cup of tea...'

'I need to stay away from him and throw him spells remotely...'

"HA !"

GZZZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAATCH ! SCRAAAAATCH ! SCRAAAAATCH !

I summoned on the ground 3 yellow lightnings which zigzagged at quick speed throughout the room and went in direction of my opponent !

"WOOOSH !"

But he dashed and avoided all 3 of them thanks to his enhanced speed !

He was able to anticipate their trajectories and move swiftly in my direction !

GZZZZZZZ !

SCRAAAATCH !

BUNK !

But suddenly, his arm was hit by a 4th lightning that he hasn't noticed before, making him stumble a little !

Glad I was right to summon another one and make it bypass him !

'Now !'

GZZZZZ !!!

I created a ball of electricity between my hands and shoot a blast at him !

'If he creates a forcefield around him to protect himself... I might be able to immobilize him !'

SCRAAAAATCH !

"..."

Fwiii !

He used his forcefield shield again and covered... only his left arm !

GZZZZZZZ !

Fiizzzle !

He blocked hardly the spell with his arm, but his right one was still free and

FIIIIIZLEEEE !!!

"!!!..."

'No way !...'

He threw a blue fire ball at me !

KRRRRR !!

I quickly summoned a thick ice wall a front of me to protect myself !

CRAAACKLE !

CRACK !

The fire ball was so powerful that it made the ice wall break in pieces !

"Ngh !"

I was thrown away from the blow of the attack and fell backwards !

"Ouch !"

I rolled over in my landing and found myself at the entrance !

"..."

FIIZZZZLE ! FIZZZLEEE !

As I was still down, I saw the yellow helmet man burning his fists again and preparing something...

"So... It is already the end of our duel ?...", he told me quietly.

'!!...'

He raised his hands while I quickly stood up and.

FIIIIIZZZZZZZZZLEEEEEE !!!

CRAAAAAAAAACKKKLEEEE !!!

I extended my hands and summoned a large sea of fire towards him, while he summoned a large wave of blue flames in my direction !

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLE !

The 2 powerful spells clashed at each other, like the red fire and the blue fire were battling each other !

They were colliding so violently that it created a purple light at the impact, and the room's temperature increased drastically !

"!!..."

I keep summoning the bigger flames I never did, as my enemy did the same with his blue ones !

And each time I feel that his spells started to overwhelm mine, I keep summoning more and more flames to get the advantage.

CRAAAAAAAAACKKKLEEEE !!

I continued gain and again as I started to overwhelm his flames, forcing him to summon more blue flames.

"Do not be to arrogant !", I called him while still lasting my spell. "It's me, who will decide when it will be the end of our duel !... And the end of your misdeeds !"

"You should not be too arrogant as well, my friend...", he said calmly.

CRAAAAACKLE !!!

That was probably one of the strongest foes I've ever fought during my scholar career !...

No... He was, the strongest !...

He definitely excelled in his use of that new form of magic, alongside with his forcefield powers and his abilities' enhancements !

Indeed, I believed the magic he received from the Sacred Flame will be the hardest one to counter, compared to the 2 others...

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZLLLLLLEEEEEE !

As the sacred Flame was burning violently again at the other side of the shrine room, I reminded that I must hurry before the ritual starts and the flame provokes an explosion.

It will rise a pillar of light which will connect with the ones from Clearbrook, S'warkii and Cobblestone.

And if it occurs, this famous expansion will occur, and the world of Orsterra will be at its doom...

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLEEE !!!

This man was so dangerous: he really knew how to control the power of the sacred flames and use it for dark purposes...

But my priority was to interrupt the ritual for good, and for that, I need to render the yellow helmet man harmless and take him the book, so I could undo the ritual.

CRAAAAAAAAAAAACKLEEEEE !!!

'Therese...'

'Princess Mary...'

'Travis...'

'May the 12 gods be on your side...'

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLE !

~Meanwhile, somewhere in the royal palace...~

~Therese's POV~

'Professor Albright... May the 12 gods be with you...'

GRUMBLLEEEE !!!

Rocks were falling from the ceiling as the consequences of the fight between the Professor Albright and that man with the yellow helmet reached the corridor. If they keep fighting, the castle will finish to be completely destroyed in less than half an hour...

I was still worrying for my teacher... He was seriously challenging that dangerous criminal who wanted to destroy the realm with the power of the Sacred Flame...

"Ha..."

"Are you Alright, Travis ?...", I asked him quietly.

"Y-yeah... Thank you !...", the boy responded to me as he was catching his breath.

We were travelling through one of the palace's corridors, looking for the secret path that the professor and I took when we arrived inside the castle.

That's right: the main entrance for the royal palace was locked and potentially guarded by these giant guardians who were rampaging in the city.

Thankfully, I had knowledge from the Royal Family, especially Mary herself, that there was a tunnel between one of Atlasdam city's places to a secret exit inside the castle. Several centuries ago, that emergency exit would permit the royal family to escape the castle in case of an opposing kingdom's attack or another potential danger.

Now, we were looking back for it.

While I was carrying Mary's arm on my shoulder because of her injured leg, I was also holding Travis's hand because he was too injured and exhausted to walk properly.

The poor kid... I couldn't believe that this masked man dared to harm him so much...

Even if he wasn't a normal boy... How could we do this to a child ?!

But though... according to Mary, he was able to put up a good fight against that terrorist...

He has such an incredible strength, and he was even able to lend some blows on him !... How could such a young boy have such astonishing powers ?

Anyway, the professor also counted on him a lot, but I must make sure he was safe as well...

GRUMBLE !

I also felt bad for Mary.

"Mary... In the way when the Professor and I were reaching the castle, he told me everything about that masked individual... Forgive me, please... I should have known that it wasn't really you, earlier..."

"Ngh... Do not blame yourself, Therese... It wasn't your fault.", she answered me while walking hardly before she added. "Because of me, you, the Professor and the boy were imprisoned by someone who pretended to be me... It's me who should have been more careful when he abducted me... !!!... Watch out !"

We just noticed another guardian walking through another corridor, so we immediately hide behind the corner !

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

"HHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."

Thankfully, he didn't see us and just walked away.

We waited that he was gone before we continued to keep going.

'The masked man has cautiously prepared his plans: he summoned many guardians and let them roam everywhere inside the Royal Palace.'

'With that, they can be able to prevent anyone to enter or to leave the castle, so there was no way we could have any reinforcements to help us.'

'Our only hope is to take the secret exit again and put Mary, Travis and I in safety...'

I watched again at Mary: she was still remorseful as well about everything which happened in such a short time... And it hurts me to think that she has been abducted in her own chambers without someone even notice where she was locked...

"You know... I was also too naive, Mary, to still think at the age of 17 that fingers could heal in an accelerated way...", I spoke to her with a low tone.

Indeed, I understood that even though that the masked man could take her appearance, he couldn't reproduce accurately the injuries the Princess has received... This is how, the Professor immediately knew something was wrong with "her"...

She quietly chuckled while Travis looked confused.

"Err... Why are you girls talking about fingers ?", he asked as he was still tired.

"Well, that's quite a long story, Travis !... He he !...", I answered him while feeling quite embarrassed.

Mary sighed again as she told us quietly.

"We're almost there..."

We just turned on the left and arrived at the secret exit...

"The Flames takes me !...", I exclaimed worryingly alongside with Mary.

The secret exit, which was blocked by a giant cupboard was completely buried by multiple bricks blocking the way !

It would take us a lot of time to remove them and go !

Suddenly, I saw Travis letting go of my hand and stumbling in place while walking towards the blocked exit.

"Don't worry !.... I'll open it for you !", he told us weakly.

"Travis, wait !"

GRUUUUUMBLE !

"!!!!!!!!!!! "

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

A wind guardian suddenly appeared behind us, trapping us inside the corridor with now way to go !

And worse: his axe was slightly bigger and his armor bulkier ! It was a mkII guardian, more powerful and resisting than a regular one !

"HHHHHHHHHHHH !!!..."

He raised his axe, surrounding it with a green wind magic when Mary shouted.

"He's about to throw a wind spell ! Everybody down !"

SBROOOOOMMMM !!!!

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

The guardian slammed the ground with his weapon and summoned a powerful wind throughout the corridor !

The wind was incredibly strong, so strong that it made a few rocks flying through the path !

"!!!..."

Thankfully, most of them just flew above us as we all got on the floor, and we only got hit by smaller and harmless rocks !

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!!

GRUUUMBLE !!!

CRACK ! CRACK ! CRACK !

The wall behind us started to be destroyed by the flying debris, and if we don't find a near shelter, we might get crush by some of them !

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

GZZZZZZZZ !!

"LEAVE US ALOOOOOOOONE !!!!!!"

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAATCHHHH !!!

Travis just ran through the wind and just kicked the guardian on his stomach with his blue lightning powers !

"HHHHHHHHH !!"

CRAAAAAASH !!!

GRUUUUMBLE !

The powerful giant has been thrown a few meters, stopping the wind as he was lying against the wall.

"Ha !... Ha !..."

I couldn't believe that ! Travis was still standing up despite his injuries, right a front of the guardian.

GZZZZZZ ! GZZZZZ !

A few sparks covered his body, but he was breathing heavily, and I became very worried.

"Stop, Travis ! Stay away from him !"

" I won't until that thing keep harming us all !"

"hhhhhhhhh...."

The wind guardian started to rise again, but the boy still looked determined to fight that thing...

"But this one is nothing compared to the other ! And you're not in state anymore !"

"I don't care !... I can't just take a good rest as long as you two and the professor are in danger !"

"HHHHHHHHH !"

FWWIIIIIII !

The guardian summoned a powerful wind again as Travis was hardly trying to stay still !

GZZZZZZZZZZ !

He managed to run towards him and jump to land him a punch !

SCRAAAATCH !

"!!!..."

However, his punch was only covered by a few blue sparkles, which surprised him.

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

CRAAASH !

Travis has been thrown away by the guardian blown, making him land hardly at the end of the corridor !

Mary and I were deeply shocked for him while the giant screeched again !

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

"... Come on, powers !...", exclaimed Travis to himself.

GZZ ! GZZZ !

He was shocked when he noticed he couldn't produce as much lightnings as he usually would !

That's bad... His magic flow must be low after every effort he has done today with his powers...

He was seriously hurt and tired, but his will was so strong that it's like he was ready to fight until his last breath !...

"TRAVIS PLEASE ! BE REASONABLE !", I called him again.

However, he didn't listen as he was still glaring at the humanoid creature !

"HHHHHHHHH !"

He raised his axe and aimed at the boy, who tried to stand up again and

FWIIIIIIIIIIII !

A powerful wave of vertical wind went towards Travis, but suddenly, I saw Mary jumping towards him and grabbing him !

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !

CRAAAAASH !!!

"MARY !"

She just jumped to save Travis in time before he was hit by the wind guardian's spell !

They both landed on the left side of the corridor while I had to hide on the right behind a pile of broken debris to protect myself from any flying debris.

FWIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!!

The wind was still blowing strong while I was worried for the 2: unlike me, they weren't protected from any projectiles and spells !

I watched Mary who kneeled a front of the lying boy, the wind behind her back, as the boy tried to protest.

"P-princess !... What are you doing ?! I'm the one who supposed to..."

"JUST STOP TO ALWAYS WANT TO ENDURE THE PAIN FOR US !", she interrupted him as she looked worried but serious towards the boy. "No matter how much powers reside in you... no matter how tough you are... IT'S NOT A REASON THAT WE WILL IGNORE ALL YOUR SUFFERING ! HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED, WHAT I FELT, WHEN THIS MASKED MAN TRIED TO KILL YOU ?!!"

"!!!..."

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!!

Travis was well surprised by her words, as much as I was !

Indeed, I couldn't say it better because I didn't witness the fight he got against that masked man, unlike the Princess...

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

Mary continued to reason him.

"YOU ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO REST AS WELL !... AND EVEN IF YOU FAIL STOPPING THAT MAN, THERE SHOULD BE SOMEONE ELSE TO STOP HIS MADNESS ONCE AND OF ALL !"

"BUT I CAN'T LET THE PROFESSOR AGAINST HIM ! BESIDES HIM AND ME, I DON'T SEE ANYONE ELSE? IN THAT CITY, WHO WOULD BE ABLE TO STOP HIM ?! THIS IS A MATTER OF TIME !"

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

The wind become more powerful as more small rocks flew in our direction and some of them even hit Mary's back, injuring her !

"NGH !"

"DON'T STAY HERE ! YOU WILL BE HURT !", I exclaimed to them.

"!!!..."

However, the wind that so strong that both couldn't move on my side, with Mary protecting desperately Travis !

"HHHHHHHH !!"

The guardian was about to attack them remotely again as he raised his axe !

"PLEASE PRINCESS !! LET ME STOP HIM ! I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN USE MAGIC AGAINST HIM !"

"..."

She refused to listen to him, as she didn't want him to be hurt more.

That wasn't good ! The only way to destroy that guardian was to hit his lanthorn head which was his only weakness, but Travis's magic was too low to even face that creature !...

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

But how about me ?!

What could I do to help them ?!

The guardian was close to attack them like last time !

I saw Travis trying to stand up again and glaring fearlessly to the monster while Mary was trying to prevent him to do so !

Both were risking their lives to protect each other while I was still hiding behind that pile of rocks, watching them in fear for us...

'They're going to be killed !...'

'If I do nothing !...'

'...'

'No... I have to.'

In such a situation, I was still thinking about the Professor Albright and how he would handle the problem...

What would he do if he was there ?...

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

"HE'S GONNA ATTACK !", warned Travis.

He and Mary were still standing in the hallway, both seen by the mkII wind guardian who was preparing a powerful spell !

I knew what kind of risk I was taking if I do this...

Maybe it will fail... But there was no way that I could not do anything.

'Professor Albright...'

'If only you were here... So I could talk properly with you...'

'I know I should speak to you personally more often... And I would like to apologize if I wasn't able to be more attentive with you... Not only as your student... but also as a regular person..."

'It's just... I'm not sure if I'll ever speak to you again...'

Suddenly, I left my hiding place, stood in the hallway a front of Travis and Mary, and faced the enhanced guardian.

"THERESE ! WHAT ARE YOU DOING ?!!"

"HHHHHHHHH !!"

'I might not be able to be as attentive as you would expect from me professor... And neither often participate in class... But I do love your lessons, even if the subject isn't very interesting to me !...'

'I just want to make more effort and have faith in myself... and that you would be proud of me as much as Mary...'

'Yes... I'm still proud of being your student... proud to inherit your knowledge...'

'And I would like... to show you... how much learnt from you !'

GZZZ ! GZZ !

I extended my hands towards the guardian and

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCHHHH !!!!

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!"

A blast of yellow lightning was shoot from my hands as I aimed for the guardian's head !

SCRAAAAAAAAATCHHH !!!

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The giant screeched in pain and dropped his large weapon, preventing him to cast a spell.

"!!!!...."

Travis and Mary were completely speechless !

That's right: I was used to study at the library for reading tons and tons of books ! I was so curious that I didn't limited my preferences to History books !

During my break times, I found one speaking about the magical arts and it's different properties by pure hazard. It might not be as rich as the ones possessed by the scholar community, but it was well so amazing and instructive !

Honestly, I might be a very curious and studious lady, but I have no plans to become a scholar...

Though, it was stronger than me to not forget the most important lines of such a work like this one.

Indeed, I might not be as good as the Professor Albright... but I started to understand how it works.

And I have no plan to stop !

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!"

SCRAAAAAAAATCH !!!

I continued to scream while shooting such a lightning from my hands, even if it hurts my fingers, as I wanted to protect my friends !

"HHHHHH !!!"

CRAAAAAACK !!

Finally, I managed to break his lanthorn head !

GRUMBLE !

His head destroyed, the giant finally collapsed and fell on the ground.

"HA !"

I stopped to use lightning magic and fell on my knees.

"Ha... Ha..."

The monster was finally defeated, and the wind was gone... I really though it didn't work... but it did !

'Thanks to me... They are fine...'

I collapsed on the ground, very exhausted by using so much magic.

"THERESE !!"

I heard Mary and Travis rushing worryingly towards me, with Mary putting my head over her lap.

"Are you alright ?!", she asked me.

"Ha... I'm fine.", I smiled a little bit while breathing.

I saw Travis kneeling on my side as well.

"Hey Therese... I didn't know that you also have lightning powers like me !", he said quietly while feeling bad.

I calmly chuckled.

"In fact, that is not really the same magic as yours, Travis... I just based myself on how the Professor would use magic and my studies about the magical arts..."

"I-I know but... The Professor also told me that it could be dangerous to use them, so I was worried about you !..."

He looked at me with soft eyes as I answered to him slowly.

"I remember well the notes in that book... Especially at the 248th page, in the second paragraph... 'According to Alephan's studies... magical arts are relying on sleeping powers within every magical user which draw their vital energy to cast spells and enchantments... If we use them wrongly and without enough experience, it could bring harmful effects to the user's body'... Well, I could say they were not messing around... If I kept using these magical powers..."

"Just don't frighten us with your knowledge, please !", Mary interrupted me when she sighed. "Indeed... do you really think, you are the only one, to not have problems at learning the Professor Albright lessons ?!"

"?..."

As I was a little surprised, I continued to listen to her.

"Really, why do you think I've asked all those countless questions to the Professor outside class ?", Mary looked quite regretful as she explained to me calmly. "Perhaps you think that I'm better than you, in class... that the Professor pay more attention to me than you, and that I'm never afraid to ask him more questions outside of class... But you know who I am: I was born at the rightful heir of throne, so everyone at the court expect so much from me..."

She puts her hand over her chest, as the princess looked so confident.

"To serve my kingdom, I had to learn more and more knowledge just to make sure I was answering to everyone's expectations... In the first place, I wanted to pretend that learning so many historical dates, historical characters, and any traces of ancient civilizations was such a pleasure for me. I don't want to say it is not.... I just figured out how hard was that task, and so I wanted to keep that smile to make everyone reassured... Because, you know, how much such a smiling queen could give hope to a nation ?"

"... Mary..."

Travis also listened as well as the Princess continued.

"So... I would like to apologize to not have noticed how much you were fighting to get the Professor's attention... I was too blinded by my goal to deepen my knowledge and serve my Kingdom... to ever notice how much effort you were putting... I understood since I was abducted... And everything I learned didn't help me when I faced that masked criminal without thinking... But instead, as I wanted to save my Kingdom, I was rescued by this boy... by the Professor... and by you, Therese... My sister..."

"!!!..."

I was surprised by how she called me...

Seriously, me neither I didn't expect how heavy was the responsibility carried out by the Princess Mary...

I might know her since we were children, but I didn't expect how much this would be hard for her to become the next ruler of the Kingdom of Orsterra...

In fact, I've never seen her being so open to me while I didn't even thought to talk about how much I wanted to follow the Professor's course.

Me too, I was blinded... and not only by my will to learn...

"You know, Mary...", Travis spoked when he added. "Er... doesn't that bother you, if I call you Mary, Princess ?"

"Well, no, of course... You can call me Princess Mary if you want, little one...", she smiled at him.

I also smiled while starting to recover, as Travis was able to sit against the wall.

"Princess Mary... Therese... I can see how much you feel bad of doing so many mistakes... and that you think you might have hurt others...", he spoke quietly as we continued to listen. "But... it's okay if you guys do mistakes often because you know... I did even more mistakes in my life, more than you two think I did... I also meet some friends who also made mistakes, but I still wanted to help them when they had problems..."

"..."

The professor explained me a few things about Travis, including the part where he had sadly lost his parents... But despite how hard was his life, and how much difficulties he went through... he was often looking on the bright side, no matter what.

This little boy, despite his smartness, didn't even blame me when he was chained by the scholar community because of the gossip I told to the Headmaster Yvon...

He continued to tell us.

"The thing, is that... I didn't want to let them down because they kinda reminded me of myself and..."

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

"?!!!"

STOMP ! STOMP !

A screeching sound surprised us as we heard another guardian incoming !

"Another one !", shouted Mary.

"HHHHHHHHH !"

He appeared on the hallway like the previous one and watched menacingly at us.

"It's a Thunder guardian ! We have to go !"

We started to get up quickly.

"HHHHHHHHHH !"

GZZ GZZZZ !

Too late ! He was about to attack us with a lightning spell !

"WATCH OUT !"

SBROAM !

SCRAAAAAAAAATCH !

The guardian slammed violently the ground with his axe as he shoot a blast of lightning towards us !

SCRAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

"?!!..."

Suddenly, we saw Travis just standing a front of I and Mary and taking the lightning spell !

"TRAVIS ! WHAT ARE YOU..."

SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

The lightnings continued to surround him, but Travis still didn't move despite how powerful the spell was !

"!!..."

'Wait a minute...'

'By the sacred Flame, is he absorbing the lightning spell ?!'

I couldn't believe it: Travis didn't seem to be hurt by the thunder guardian's attack !

Was he... immune to electricity ?!

GZZZZ ! GZZZ !

The spell stopped as Travis was still standing in the middle of the hallway, but he didn't seem to have been hurt at all !

As we noticed the lightnings sent by the giant were gone from Travis' body, the boy looked quite angry as he crossed his fingers...

GZZZ GZZZ GGZZZZ !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

A blue amount of blue electricity appeared around his body and were released around every sense, hitting the walls and illuminating the place with a blue shiny light !

"HHHHHHHHHH..."

'Unbelievable...'

'He has recovered all of his magic by taking the thunder guardian's attack !...'

'He must have absorbed it to sustain electricity !...'

'This boy has such an incredible magic !...'

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The guardian started to charge towards the boy when the boy spoke.

"Hey you..."

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!!

He suddenly jumped at lightning speed and

CRAAAAAAAACK !!

He kicked the thunder guardian right in his lanthorn head and broke it when he yelled !

"DON'T YOU KNOW IT'S BAD TO INTERRUPT PEOPLE WHEN THEY TALK ?!!"

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

CRAAAAAAAAAAACK !!

GRUUUUUUMBLE !!!

The giant screeched in pain as his large body was thrown violently at the end of the hallway, breaking the wall as he collapsed !

"..."

Once again, we were so speechless...Travis just completely destroyed a guardian in one blow !

All that because that thing interrupted our conversation ?!

GZZZZZZZZZ !...

The boy now landed right a front of the guardian's corpse.

FSSSSSHHHHHHH !!

The guardian's disappeared in blue ashes at his demise.

"..."

Travis sighed as he was still covered of blue lightnings.

Indeed, even though he has regained his powers again, he was still exhausted by his previous fights...

I wanted to speak to him.

"Travis..."

"!!!... Don't worry girls !"

GZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

CRAAAAAAAAAACK !

He ran next to us at quick speed and kicked the blocked path of the secret exit, removing all the rocks and debris !

It was now possible to leave the castle !

Travis then told us.

"Thanks to help me, by the way !... But it's still dangerous here ! I opened you the path just for you, but I still have to help the professor ! I'm sure he need me ! BYE BYE !"

"Travis, wai..."

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

He bypassed us again at quick speed without we had the time to react, and finally left the hallway !

"!!!..."

We were now all alone in the hallway...

GRUUUUMBLE !!!!

Rocks continued to fall from the ceiling as we could feel the castle shaking again, probably because of the fight between the Professor and the masked man, but also due to the Sacred Flame growing bigger and bigger.

Mary was now helping to get up as I hung myself to her.

We still looked at the way where Travis left, as we were still surprised to see a boy with such powers...

Even if he was only 6, he already knew how to take the initiative.

Somehow, he reminded me of the Professor Albright way of thinking, even though the Professor was much smarter.

Alongside with Mary, we were deeply concerned for these two.

Will they be fine against that masked man ?

~Meanwhile, at the shrine room~

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLEEEEE !!!!

~Cyrus' POV~

The sacred Flame became bigger and started to exceed the ceiling, creating a hole at the impact.

"HAAAAAA !!!!"

CRAAAAAAACKLE !!

Wooosh !!

I threw a fireball spell towards the yellow helmet man who dashed to avoid the attack and ran towards me !

KRRRRRRRRR !!!

FWIIIII !!!

I created an ice wall to block him when he jumped and surrounded his head, his hands, and his feet, with a green forcefield !

CRAAAAAAAACK !!

He dashed towards the wall and broke it like it was nothing, surprising me !

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

He punched my stomach with his fist and pushed me away !

As I fell a few meters away, I prepared another set of lightning spells...

GZZZZZZZZZ !!

SCRAATCH ! SCRAAATCH ! SCRAAAATCH !

I summoned a few lightning bolts who zigzagged throughout the ground and in the airs, trying to touch the masked man but he avoided them !

GZZZZZZ !

Even the one behind him missed him !

"!!!..."

'That doesn't sound good...'

'He's starting to gain the upper hand...'

'If that battle lasts... and if he keeps attacking me... My senses will worsen, and my magic will run out...'

FIZZZZZZZZZZZLEEEEEE !!!!

KRRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!

I protected myself from his blue flamethrower with an ice wall I keep summoning, as he keeps melting it.

'I'm completely disadvantaged... If I don't stop him right now... I might...'

GZZZZZZ !!!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

SBUNK !!

"!!!..."

Suddenly, something came at lighting speed and hit the yellow helmet man on his side, sending him away !

BROOM !

The masked criminal fell again, but he quickly stood up and sighed when he saw the newcomer.

"You again... Don't you ever have a limit ?!"

GZZZZZZ !

"Ha..."

I saw Travis a front of me, his body covered by blue lightnings, and standing when he looked at me !

"Sorry, Professor... I guess I'm a little late...", he told me.

"Travis ?!... What are you doing here ?!..."

"Do you really think, professor, that I would let you taking down that guy alone ?", he told me while pointing his finger at the yellow helmet man before he added. "Don't worry... The girls are safe for now... !!!"

Suddenly, the yellow helmet man dashed towards Travis, ready to punch him, and surprising him !

"..but I fear this isn't your case anymore, my boy !"

" !!!"

CRAAAAAAACKLE !

I sent a fireball spell towards the yellow helmet man, keeping him away from the boy !

"Stay focused, Travis !... This man is more clever and tough than he was before !", I warned Travis.

"I know !..."

GZZZZZ !

He quickly went next to me at lightning speed, as he became a bit serious.

"...why do you think I came back to help you ?..."

"..."

Despite all his injuries, he was still determined to take down the man with the yellow helmet at my side...

Though, I was wondering how he managed to recover his powers, as they were supposed to have run out after using them so many times today...

I was still worried about him though, especially since I underestimated the enemy we were both facing.

"Honestly, I would have preferred that you stayed with Therese and her Highness..."

"..."

"...but now, I guess this is too late to go backwards..."

CRACKLE ! CRACKLE !

GZZZZZ ! GZZZZZZ !

I burned my hands with my fire powers while Travis covered himself with a few more lightnings, and we were both watching the yellow helmet man.

"How about we team up again, Professor ?", asked me Travis coldly.

"I wanted to ask you the same thing, my dear student.", I responded calmly.

FIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLEEEEE !

That's it.

The atmosphere seems to know a change, and not only because the temperature of the shrine room has risen again.

"..."

FIIIIZZZZLE ! FIZZZLE !

The yellow helmet man finally broke his silence !

"2 persons vs 1... That doesn't sound fair, I think... Though, you two really need to take a nap, don't you ?"

"..."

Indeed, Travis and I looked both exhausted after using our powers for too long, and perhaps I won't have enough magic flow to assist him... I believe I should give Travis instructions and choose my spells wisely...

But we watched again at our enemy: his helmet was quite damaged, and his clothes were slightly burned by my spells.

"Do not think you are the only one to be exhausted...", I said to the yellow helmet man when I shouted. "TRAVIS, NOW !"

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!!

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZLEEEEE !!

The yellow helmet man threw a blue fire ball to separate us and stepped back !

I stayed distant while Travis quickly approached him, ready to punch him !

SCRAAAAAATCH !!!

FWWIIII !

The masked man covered his left arm with a green shield to protect himself from the attack... when he prepared something.

FIIIZZZLE !

He was about to attack him with a blue flame spell.

GZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

"!!!..."

I quickly shoot a yellow lightning blast at him before he got the opportunity to attack Travis, touching his right arm which wasn't protected !

GZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAATCH !!

Right after, Travis then kicked him with a blue lightning kick after transferring most of his amount of magic around his feet !

"ARGH !"

SBROAAM !!!

GZZZZZ !!!

We sent him flying to the wall when Travis quickly decided to charge towards him.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !"

"..."

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZLEEEEEEE !!!

"!!!!"

The masked man suddenly covered himself with a large blue flame, burning everything around him and keeping Travis away !

CRAAAAAAAACKLE !!

I summoned a wave of fire to contain his own wave, preventing his blue flame to expand.

FIIIIIIIIZLLLE !!!

CRAAAAACKLE !!!

The blue wave of fire started to overwhelm my own wave and

SBROOOOAAAAAAM !!!

An explosion of fire occurred a front of the masked man while he charged through the fire and

SCRAAAAAATCH !

SBUUUUNK !!

Travis just bypassed the explosion and kicked him in the helmet again !

"!!!..."

But then, he managed to grab Travis and send him towards me !

"ARGH !"

"NGH!"

He fell on me and made me fall as well.

"Sorry !"

"That's okay !"

FIIIIIIIIIIZLLEE !

The yellow helmet man put one hand on the floor and created a wave of blue fire on the ground !

"TRAVIS, JUMP !"

"OKAY!"

GZZZZZZZZZZ !

Travis used the strength of his legs to jump higher and avoid the burning floor while my method was different.

KRRRRRRR !

I created a platform of ice above my feet which elevated me and prevented me to burn my feet !

FIIIIIIZZZZZZLEEEE !

On the ground, a sea of blue flames keep burning and seemed incredibly hot ! That could be able to roast anything which plunge inside them !

Travis was about to fall inside, so I quickly acted.

KRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!!

I created another platform much larger than mine, allowing Travis to land.

"BE CAREFUL TO NOT SLIP, MY BOY !", I shouted to him as he nodded.

The ice platforms I summoned might be resistant, but they won't last more than a minute due to the heating of these blue flames...

"..."

The yellow helmet man stood a front of the shrine, his feet landed on the ground.

It seemed that he was immunized to his own blue flames, just like how Travis was unaffected to his blue lightning powers...

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!!

Travis charged towards him when

FIIIIIIIZZZZZLEEEE !!

CRACK !

A pillar of blue flame appeared a front of the yellow helmet man, making Travis avoid by stepping back and breaking a part of the ice platform !

FIIZZZZZLEE !!!

He created a blue wave of fire and aimed at the boy.

KRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!

But while Travis started to run on the left, I summoned more ice platforms remotely to create him a path so he could run !

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZLLLEEEEEEE !!!

Our enemy continued to melt the platforms and attempted to burn Travis who continued to run on the left !

FIIIZZZLLLEEEE !

The masked man started to use now only one hand to throw his blue flames powers when I just noticed I was still in his field of view !

"..."

He then aimed his free hand towards me, ready to attack me with another spell to prevent me assist Travis !

GZZZZZZ ! GZZZZZZZ !

Suddenly, Travis jumped out of the platform and bounced on the left wall !

He then jumped towards him and

SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCHHHH !!!

FWIIIII !!

He punched his arm, forcing him to defend himself and interrupt the spell with he intended to hit me.

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAATCHHH !!

Blue lightnings were unleashed at the impact, with Travis wanting to push further than the yellow helmet men would do !

Then, I decided to act quickly before letting him the time to counter attack !

CRAAAAAAACKLE !!

I created a wave of fire and aimed the yellow helmet man on the right.

FWIIIIIIII !!!

CRAAAAAAACKLE !!!

He protected his other arm with his green forcefield from my fire spell !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

The yellow helmet man seem well protected by his magic, but he started to be overwhelmed by the combination of Travis' attack and my wave of fire !

FWIIIIIIII !!!

He then decided to cover himself entirely with his green shield magic...

SBUNK !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!!!

CRAAAAAAAACKLE !

Travis punched the shield with his other lightning punch while I keep covering the right side of the shield with fire !

Because his 2 arms were protecting himself from these powerful attacks on each side, he was unable to create a blue flame spell from under the ground where he wasn't protected !

So, I had an idea !

CRAAAAAAAAAACKLE !

My right hand continued to summon fire around half of the yellow helmet man's protection when I extended my left hand and

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I shot a lightning blast with my left hand towards the sea of flames, a blast so powerful that it created a hole on the ground !

CRAAAAAAAAAACK !

I made sure the lightning created a tunnel and tried to reach... our enemy's feet where his shield wasn't protecting him !

"!!!!..."

With that, nothing will protect him and we could neutralize him !

GZZZZZZZZZ !!!

The ground started to shake under our enemy's feet when he focused himself !

CRAAAACK !

SCRAAAAAATCH !!

CRAAAAACKLE !!!

The shield around him disappeared and he jumped high to avoid the flames, the surprise lightning spell and Travis' attacks !

But the sea of fire also disappeared now he was in the airs while Travis finally landed on the roasted ground and

GZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

The boy jumped high in the airs to catch him back !

"YAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH !!!"

SCRAAAAAAATCH !!

FWIIIII !

CLAAAAASH !!!!

The yellow helmet man also kicked, his forcefield covering his leg, and the 2 attacks clashed !

WOOOOOOSHH !

The impact was such as both Travis and the masked man were repelled on each side !

"NGH !"

Travis fell on the ground while the masked man landed on the shrine's stairs !

'NOW ! I won't have more occasions !'

SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH !

Now the sea of blue flames was gone, I landed on the ground and shoot a lightning blast spell on the yellow helmet man, as I especially aimed for his helmet !

GZZZZZZZ !!!

Somehow, I was confident that this mask was his own weakness. Travis told me that he was able to summon creatures with this sophisticated helmet, so there might be a chance he used it to enhance his powers...

"!!...."

FIIZZZZLE !

He stood up and tried to throw me spells again when

GZZZZZZZZZZ !

Travis suddenly jumped on his back and grabbed him, pulling him on the ground and preventing me to attack me !

SCRAAAAAAATCH !

"RAAAAAAAAAH !", the yellow helmet man screamed angrily due to the pain !

The boy also managed to use his blue lightning against him and immobilize him while I keep targeting his mask!

SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

With all my strength, I kept electrocuting his helmet in an attempt to destroy it, as it started to be well damaged ! Soon, maybe we will be able to see how he looked like behind that helmet !

"KEEP GOING, PROFESSSOR !", exclaimed Travis.

"DON'T LET HIM GO AWAY, TRAVIS !", I exclaimed to him.

SCRAAAAAAAATCH !

"RAAAAAAAAAAAH !"

Both of us were doing such an incredible teamwork to immobilize the yellow helmet man by using lightning based spells !

Perhaps our enemy might be suffering, but we have no other choice to defeat him to prevent the ritual !

"..."

Strangely, our enemy stopped to scream.

FIIZZLE ! FIZZZLE !

His hands were covered of blue flames...

But what was he up to ?! He couldn't move if we continue to attack him with lightnings !

FIIIIIIIZLLLLLLLEEEEEEEE !!!

Then, its flames turned into a deeper blue, and seemed hotter than before.

"!!!..."

'I have a bad feeling !

He opened his palms and aimed above him !

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZLEEEE !

"!!!..."

2 small pillars of dark blue flames were summoned and burned my lightnings !

I fell backwards out of surprise and cancelled my spell !

"Ngh !"

The yellow helmet man started to stand up, grabbed Travis and threw him away.

"Argh !"

The boy released him and fell on the left !

'That is unfortunate ! Our plan failed because of his flames... but how ?!'

"Ha... Ha..."

FIIIIIIIIZZZLLLLLEEE !

The yellow helmet man quietly watched his hands which were burning a darker blue...

Despite he seemed quite exhausted, he looked concerned, curious... and menacing.

"...I guess this could be the ideal moment to get a power up when we are in difficulty... I am interested in giving it a try..."

FIIIIZZZZZLEEE !!!

These blue flames were different from the previous ones... They looked hotter, more powerful, and more concentrated in magic. I fear I've never heard anything about that spell...

"What is that...", muttered Travis.

"TRAVIS ! BE CAREFUL ! THESE FLAMES AREN'T THE SAME AS BEFORE..."

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLEEEEEE !!!

SBROOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAMMM !

"!!!"

He threw a big blue fireball in the middle of the room, creating such a violent explosion which repelled me !

"PROFESSOR !", shouted Travis when he noticed something.

FIIIIIZZZZZZZLEEEEEEEE !

SBROAAAAAAAMMM !

The yellow helmet man shot a blue fireball towards the boy who avoided, but the explosion was so powerful that it destroyed the wall !

GZZZZZZZZZ !!

"YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS !!!", yelled angrily Travis while dashing towards the yellow helmet man !

He jumped and was about to kick him, but his enemy also jumped !

"Me too, I like to give kicks !", told him the yellow helmet man.

FIIIZZZLEEE !

His leg was covered of a dark blue flame, which shocked Travis, as the two were at 2 meters of each other when the yellow helmet man swooped his blue fire leg !

He didn't touch Travis but

FIIIIIIIIZLEEEEEEEEEEE !!!

He created an horizontal air slice of blue fire which touched Travis !

"ARGH !"

The boy was pushed by the powerful attack, harming him despite he was protected by his blue lightnings, and thrown to the ground !

"TRAVIS !"

CRAAAAACKLE !

I stood up and created a wave of fire to attack the yellow helmet man.

'I must stop him right now !'

"..."

FIIZZZZZZZLLLEEEEE !

The yellow helmet man used his dark blue flames to counter my fire spell...

FRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !

Through my own eyes, I watches his blue flames slowly covering my own flames and burning them !

'WHAT ?!!! HOW COULD IT BE POSSIBLE ?!'

'IS HE BURNING MY MAGIC WITH HIS OWN ?!'

FIIZZZLLLEEEEEE !

The blue wave of fire went towards me, as I had to jump on the ground to avoid the attack !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH !

I threw a lightning blast towards him, aiming at his helmet !

FIZZZZZZLEEEE !

He simply raised his palm covered of fire and

FRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !

He burned my lightning spell, making my attack completely useless !

'I can't believe it !... His blue flames became so powerful that it could even destroy other kinds of magic !'

'His powers must have reached a whole new level that I didn't expect !'

FIIZZZZZLLEEEEEEE !

"Ngh !"

He tried to attack me with a blue flamethrower spell, but I avoided narrowly.

WOOOSH !

He dashed towards me and

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

He kicked me, making me falling a few meters away !

"Ngh..."

My muscles started to be exhausted...

And if he could really burn any kinds of magic...

Then, I can't stand a chance against him.

FIIIIIZZZZLEE !!

His dark blue flames appeared on his hands again as he dashed towards me when

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

Travis suddenly dashed towards the yellow helmet man, as he was about to kick his legs to make him fall !

However, the masked man jumped to avoid the boy !

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!! GZZZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAAATCH !!

The boy jumped on the wall and bounced towards his head, trying to kick it while the yellow helmet man defended himself with his arm !

"haaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!"

Travis looked so angry and was putting a lot of effort to prevent him to attack me !

"..."

SCRAAAAAATCH !!

FIIIIIIIIIIIZZZLEEE !!

Our foe's arm was now surrounded by a dark blue flame, still protecting himself but he didn't seem to look well impressed.

FRRRRRRRRRRRR !!

"!!!..."

Travis and I were surprised: even his blue lightning powers were burned by his dark blue flames !

FIIIIIIIZZZLEEEE !!!

He surrounded his other fist of dark blue flames and was about to hit him !

Travis won't have the time to avoid !

"NGH !"

Without warning and using my last forces, I jumped and grabbed the yellow helmet man by his waist, putting him on the ground !

'Quick !'

GZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!

With all my strength, I gripped tightly his 2 wrists and casted a lightning spell, electrocuting him as the lightning touched his helmet !

The man seemed to suffer as he was trembling due to the lightnings surrounding his helmet !

"DON'T, PROFESSOR !", Travis yelled worryingly at me as he tried to recover.

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I knew it was very risky... and Travis was also aware that I couldn't stand a chance against him because of his ability...

But there was no way I let him harm one of my students so far !

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!

"..."

SBRAM !

"Argh !"

He suddenly kicked me in the face, making me releasing me !

FIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZLE !!

"AAAAAARGH !"

I screamed as he slightly burned my waist with his dark blue flame !

That wasn't good: the burning might not be big, but the pain was horrifying...

"..."

He aimed towards my face this time, ready to burn me again and

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!!!

SCRAAAAAATTCHH !!!

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZLLEEE !!!

Travis quickly jumped and hit his arms, deflecting the spell towards the wall.

GRUUUUUUMBLE !!!

"Ngh !"

The yellow helmet man fell a few meters away, but he quickly recovered and riposted.

FIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZLLEEEE !!!

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

He casted a dark blue fire wave towards Travis, but he was fast enough to avoid and bypass the attack !

FIIIIIZZZZZZZLEEEEE !!!

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

Though, the masked man keeps using his flames to make sure the boy didn't approach him !

GZZZZZZZZZ ! GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!! GZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

But Travis was still determined: he didn't want to let him kill me !

GZZZZZZ !!! GZZZZZ !!! GZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAATCH !!!

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!!!

Travis managed to clash with him, landing a punch on his fist covered by a green shield magic !

There was such a tension in this fight, but despite Travis' guts and our enemy's fatigue, the boy seemed underwhelmed in terms of power !

FIIIIIIZZZZLEEEEEEE !!!

The yellow helmet man burned his feet with blue flames !

"!!!..."

Travis noticed it and stopped the clash !!!

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

He stepped back, bypassed him again and tried to kick his back !

"..."

SBUNCH !!

The masked man quickly turned back and landed a powerful punch on his face, repelling him towards the wall !

GZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAATCH !!

Instead of falling, the boy managed to land his 2 feet on the wall and unleash many blue lightning around his feet when

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

He leaped through the room at a lightning speed and flew towards the yellow helmet man !

His body was completely surrounded by blue lightning, especially on his fist as he was about to punch him !

FIIIIIIZLLLE !!

But I watched the yellow helmet man surrounding his right arm of dark blue fire, concentrating as much magic as he could, and brought his fingers together to form a palm...

GZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!!

SCRAAAAAAAATCH !!

Travis was close to approach his enemy and give him a powerful punch !

If he doesn't miss him, the blow could be very painful for the yellow helmet man !

FIZZZZZLEEE !!

The masked man bent his right elbow backwards and

FFFFTT !!!

"!!!!!!....."

He raised his burning palm... and hit Travis through his torso !...

"!!!..."

The boy didn't expect that violent blow, as the yellow helmet's hand burned his blue lightning, piercing through his armor...

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!..."

I extended my hand towards Travis desperately, feeling completely powerless to the scene !...

The masked man then threw Travis' body in the middle of the room...

'N-no way !... T-travis !...'

My first reflex was to rush towards Travis despite my painful burning...

I grabbed his body and put his head over my knees. His eyes were closed and he wasn't breathing at all...

I watched at his wound where his shirt was burned: the blow might not have really stabbed him, but it was violent enough to stop his heart to beat...

"..."

I couldn't believe it... I let that man fatally wounding Travis while he was trying to protect me...

All that because my strategy wasn't good enough to defeat that man...

'Forgive me Travis... I blame myself so badly to not have been able to defend you...'

'Forgive me... To not have been able to fulfill my promise...'

I was completely desperate when I heard a voice speaking to me.

"I don't intend to spoil the mood... but it's too bad all of your great teamwork became so unsuccessful to take me down... Though, I'm not saying I'm taking your side, but still..."

It was the yellow helmet man who spoke, but I completely ignored him as I was too concerned for Travis...

He was still standing as usual a few meters away from us despite how injured he was... And honestly, I would lie if I said he wasn't bothering me...

The man spoke again.

"To tell you the truth, scholar, I just wanted to simply take you 2 down and grab one of you as a hostage... But now, you're all alone at counting only on yourself... Or else, this is what we believed..."

"?..."

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZLEEEEEEE !!!

He suddenly burned the wall with his blue flames and created a big whole which led to an hallway !

GRUUUMBLE !!

"AAAAAAAAAHHH !!!"

Then, I heard someone squealing due to the attack !

'!!!... Wait a minute... That voice !...'

The yellow helmet man also noticed that.

"Looks like we have an unexpected audience...", the masked man spoke when he called calmly. "Don't be shy... It is not necessary to hide from me anymore..."

"..."

'!!!... Therese !...'

I saw her finally showing herself from where the yellow helmet man has thrown the blue flame spell.

She looked very shameful and upset, and she seemed to be alone.

But what was she doing here ?!... Wasn't she supposed to escape the castle with her Highness ?!

"Forgive me, Professor... I could not stop to worry about you... So..."

Fizzle !

"Apology accepted, young girl.", the yellow helmet man interrupted to her while extending his burning hand menacingly towards me. "Now, if you don't want me to turn your teacher into a fried chicken... Just don't run... And go join him..."

"...", the young girl flinched at the terrorist's menace, looking more shameful than before.

'Therese...'

Although I was the one menaced by the yellow helmet man, I was more worrying for her than my own skin.

I could feel how much she would blame herself for coming back here...

"You can do whatever you want... as long as you stay there.", told her again the masked man.

"..."

The silver haired girl finally went through the hole and arrived in the shrine room, staring down at her knees.

If ever she tried to escape instead of listening to him, the probability that the yellow helmet man would have killed her was worryingly high...

She watched towards me when her eyes widened in shock.

"!!!... Travis !!!", she ran towards the boy and knelt down at his side, shocked to see him in that state when she exclaimed. "W-what... what have you done to him ?!"

"...", the yellow helmet man didn't answered.

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!

GRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUMBLLLLLEEEEEEEE !!!

Right behind him, the Sacred Flame burned so high and so violently that a larger part of the ceiling above the shrine shattered. Some falling rocks were burned by the blue fire and destroyed.

I was well worried: this flame turned so big that I started to doubt about if we can still prevent that ritual to happen...

Therese, however, completely ignored that.

"..."

A few drops of tears fell down from her eyes, as she looked at Travis' body, covered by many bruises and he wasn't even breathing.

It really hurt me to see her crying over his fate.

"What did it take me... to let you going back there on your own ?...", she muttered, blaming herself as she was hopeless and desperate.

"..."

Me too, I was blaming myself so badly to not have been able to protect him. I was supposed to look over him, and that was my true first priority...

But as a professor... I failed again...

Therese turned towards the responsible with teary eyes.

"He... he was just a boy... How could you do this... to a boy ?... IS YOUR HEART AS DARK AS YOUR MANTLE ?!"

"..."

I lent a hand over her shoulder to reassure her, in vain, as I felt the same for Travis.

"You know... Me too, I wasn't expecting him to be a boy, in the first place... We never guess what kind of person we could cross... To tell the truth, if you believe that I wanted to do this to him, I would be a terrible liar... But in our life, we always need to take hard decisions to obtain what we want... No matter if it's the treasure of this world or the well-being of a loved one...", said calmly the yellow helmet man, as he breathed a bit when he added. "And now... Face the truth for once and for all: you all have lost... It's Game Over."

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEE !!!

"..."

The ambiance of the room became so heart-wrenching... The yellow helmet man seemed to have dominated us all, and it was like we were in the middle of a nightmare which we would never be able to wake up from...

Travis's heart has stopped to beat...

Therese couldn't do anything against our enemy...

As for myself, my burning was really harming myself, and I was sure to have run out of magic for once and for all... So, I was unable to fight.

Indeed, we didn't bring any reinforcements to fight the yellow helmet man. The main entrance was guarded by guardians and only me and the royal family were aware of the secret path...

In fact, I have no idea how praying for the 12 gods would help us get out of this situation.

"Come on, Travis !..."

I saw Therese putting her hands over Travis chest and desperately trying to do a heart massage.

She continued while crying to make his heart beat again, pushing even harder with all her remaining strength... but he wasn't still breathing.

Indeed, I don't think a simple heart massage was enough compared to the kind of attack the masked man used to put him in that state...

"B-breathe, please !..."

Poor Therese... She really started to like Travis despite how much she doesn't know about him...

"Isn't that ironic ?", said the yellow helmet man as I listened to him. "You were supposed to do everything in your power to protect... But in the final, he was the one who protected both of you... Now, look at the result: since when children are supposed to protect the adults ?"

"..."

Therese continued to try waking up Travis, in vain.

The masked man continued.

"And look at yourself: haven't you two understood ? After every risks you have taken ? Every burnings or blows you have received for him ? And after each time you want to kill yourself for that kid ?", he called calmly when he continued. "Since all the time that I was preparing to achieve what you call the ritual, you must have figured out how special he is... And then, you will understand, later or sooner, that you will always be in trouble as long as you keep frequenting him..."

"..."

As I continued to listen to him, Therese finally stopped to try restarting Travis' heart, all her effort being futile. She was really devastated: she really tried to do everything to save his life, but she finally understood that she couldn't bring him back...

She now watched and listened as well at the masked man, who sighed.

"So, let me ask you this one: why do you desire so bad to protect this little man although you have still no idea about who he really is ?... Maybe you're gonna ask me: "How about you ? Do you know him by heart as well ?"", he explained to us as he continued. "Well, no... I don't really know him personally as well. In fact, no one really know the absolute truth about someone's thoughts, about what he feels and what are his desire... But I do know more about the potential which lives inside him more than anyone.", he pointed his finger towards Travis.

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEE !!!!

"!!!!.."

GRUUUUMBLE !

Suddenly, the Sacred Flame burned violently again and left no chance to the ceiling !

Indeed, it continued to burn again and again... and this time... It became so high, so unstable, and so powerful that...

Without exaggeration...

It finally reached the clouds.

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !

That's right: the Flame became so big that it was powerful enough to destroy everything above it and reach the night and cloudy sky !

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEE !!!!

Something was clearly afoot: the burning flame maintained its unstable state for a longer duration than all the previous times !

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

We could hear the powerful wind from the icy and darkened night of Atlasdam !

That was such a bad feeling: the ritual has definitely entered in his final phase...

Then, the Flame regained its original form, but I doubted it will be last a long time...

The sight of the near destruction of our world gave me a blood-curling feeling alongside with Therese, but it didn't only concern the failure of our plan to stop that... We were terrified and overwhelmed by knowing Travis wouldn't wake up anymore...

Therese and I were both sharing a sentiment of desperation and hopelessness when the masked man spoke again.

"Now, you know what comes next: this is the final step, and despite everything you tried, and everything you want to attempt... you cannot do anything to prevent it anymore...", he spoke with a cold and dark tone when he became quieter. "Though... I am not completely heartless: I do understand your feeling of despair and failure, as well as the fear to be wiped out at the same time as this world... But no matter how hard humans work together, even if they try to the earliest possible, this world will never be eternal."

"..."

"..."

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

This man might be a criminal, but he was very serious about that potential fate of our world. Even though I have no idea about everything he has been through unlike Travis, his point of view was truly realist.

"...You're right.", I finally spoke and slowly get up, much to Therese's surprise and to the yellow helmet man's concern. "This world where we are born, where we live and where we die has never been perfect has never been perfect... It is full of flaws, constantly invaded by conflicts, misery and misfortune throughout the lands, and there is not a single person on earth who has nothing to be ashamed of."

"P-professor...", muttered Therese, slightly impressed by my speech.

I now stood up against the masked man, but all I attempted to do was talking.

"But, my friend... There is something that you are not able to perceive from your own eyes: that a world is rich not only because of its people, of its lands, and of its resources... but also to its flaws. During centuries, people took advantage of their short span of live to learn, build and to share all their knowledge to new generations. No matter if we talk about a knight pursuing a quest or a farmer feeding his pigs, they might meet unexpected obstacles to overcome, but they will still face it anyway... This world is built on the stories of all these imperfect individuals !"

I then looked down at Travis, his body still lying on Therese's lap as I continued.

"This was Travis' case: for a long while, this little boy has always suffered so bad. He only knew misery and bad luck, without even someone to look after him... However, even if his life was such an ordeal... this boy you see here had the courage to endure everything to the bitter end after so many events !... And then, all his efforts have been finally deserved: he was finally able to meet great persons for once in his difficult life ! Great persons who meet countless obstacles as well !", I spoke with a higher tone, facing fearlessly the masked man. "Maybe he was scared by his own flaws... maybe he was scared to not be able to pay his debts to them in return... But admitting his flaws has never been considered like one !... Travis understood them little by little by getting stronger everyday !... It was his spark of hope to recognize who he really was !"

"..."

As Therese was so touched, she glared to the yellow helmet man and then at Travis.

I sighed, as I never spoke so proudly when I smiled.

"And the day I met him, I was so satisfied to have the opportunity to meet such a boy with as many flaws as he had humanity ! Perhaps that world which Travis believed to live wasn't perfect, but this is what make it better ! Because no matter how wide and how problematic this world is, there will be always people caring at each other and working hard to face the problems !"

"..."

Maybe my speech didn't seem to have convinced our enemy, and even less made him think twice about his plan... but all I wanted to do, is to be honest with him.

For me, Travis was not a tool to use because of his powers... He was a boy with feelings and a dream as ambitious as mine, and he was determined to face anything to reach it.

In fact, I could not just let someone speaking bad of the pureness of this world which Travis wanted to explore from his own eyes.

"I see...", finally spoke the masked man when he took a battle pose and looked at us menacingly. "Despite everything, your will to fight has not disappeared yet."

I guess he hasn't appreciated that I dared standing up to him, as he became serious again.

All I could do was to watch him again seriously. It was like I was facing death but, in this case...

I would prefer that instead of trying to escape it.

GZZ !!! GZZ !!

"?!..."

Concerned by the spark noise, I looked down at Therese who continued to try making Travis' heart beat again.

But this time, her hands were covered of... lightning ?!

"Neither had his.", mumbled Therese calmly.

She puts her 2 electrified hands against his torso and pushed them.

GZZZ !!

BA BUMP !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCHHH !!!

Suddenly, a mass of blue electricity appeared around the boy !

Among every possibilities I envisaged about what's to come next, this was truly the one I was expecting the less !

'With her lightning magic... Did Therese just...'

'Restarted his heart with electricity ?!'

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

The yellow helmet man was also surprised as well when he exclaimed at Therese !

"W-what !... What have you done ?!"

"...", Therese stayed silent for a while and finally answered him calmly. "It isn't what you allowed me ?... That I could do whatever I want... As long as I stayed here ?..."

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

Blue electricity covered Travis' torso and helped him restarting his heart while the rest of his body unleashed many lightnings around him, separating the 3 of us !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACTH !!!

Then, I watched Travis' body slowly going up, floating with the help of lightnings in the middle of the room.

He was still unconscious, but his powers were still unleashing and then

"..."

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

His eyes finally opened !

Thanks to Therese and her magic, Travis finally regained his vitality !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !

As Travis was now covered of blue electricity back again, Therese and I decided to step back to make sure we weren't taken in his fight. Indeed, I was unable to fight the yellow helmet man, but this boy never knew how to give up !

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

The yellow helmet man prepared himself and created a green barrier from the ground to the ceiling, by putting his hand on the floor to unleash his magic.

He then stepped back and...

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

FWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!

He created 2 other barriers to protect himself and was standing a front of the shrine.

We could say still wanted to prevent anyone to interfere in the ritual's last phase: there was not much time before the Sacred Flame grow up even bigger and connect the other pillars of lights to create such a cataclysmic explosion throughout the continent.

Indeed, he was quite exhausted by the previous fight, so he wanted now to focus on the defense of his plan.

As I started to wonder how Travis could still stop him, the yellow helmet man exclaimed at him.

"We can say that that you're very lucky to make it alive !... I envy you so much, you know !"

"..."

SCRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCHHHH !!

Travis didn't answer him, but now his eyes were also covered by blue lightnings, making like he was wearing a blue electrified mask.

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCHH !!

"I'm tired...", said Travis coldly while still unleashing his powers.

The little boy slowly landed on the ground while still unleashing powerful thunders around him.

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

As Therese and I were pretty confused by his words, the masked man calmly laughed.

"Oh, really ?..."

FIIIIIZZZLEE !

FIIIIIIZZZZLEE !

The terrorist covered his hands of blue flames, preparing himself as he declared to the boy.

"If you say so, why don't you want to take a little nap and let me do the..."

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !

The masked man was interrupted by Travis' powers, who were concentrating around his feet as the boy put his hands on the grounds.

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !

He watched angrily at the man and spoke again.

"I'm tired... that you keep talking !..."

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

Travis then jumped, at an incredible lightning speed !...

BRAAAAAOOOOOM !

"!!!..."

In the process, his feet released 2 powerful thunders which broke the wall behind and surprised Therese and I !

He leaped headlong towards the yellow helmet man and was about at 2 meters of the first green barrier.

GZZZZZZZZZZZ !!

In an instant, I watched him releasing so much blue electricity a front of his body...

He was concentrating all his magic at these particular points and

GZZZZZZZZZZZ ! GZZZZZZZ !

SCRAAAAATCH ! SCRAAAAATCH !

His lightnings... were taking a deeper blue !

GZZZZZZZZZZ ! GZZZZZZZZZZZ !

These sparks were as blue as the yellow helmet man's flame and were about to touch the barrier before him !

CRRRRAAAAAAACK !!!!

Suddenly, his dark blue lightnings covered a part of the barrier and broke it !

"!!!"

GZZZZZZZ !!!

Travis then managed to pass through the first barrier and was heading to the next one !

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!!!!

CRAAAAAAAAAAACKE !

He broke the 2nd barrier again with his powerful lightnings !

"!!!..."

The yellow helmet man was surprised despite his hidden face, and still stood between the last barrier and the flame without moving !

GZZZZZZZZZZZ !!

Travis approached the 3rd barrier when the yellow helmet man decided to aim towards him with his blue flames.

FIIIIZZZLEEE !

He started to unleash a wave of dark blue fire towards him, but the boy was so fast in the airs with his lightning speed that...

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAACCK !!!

He broke the third barrier and grabbed the yellow helmet man by the waist !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

He pushed him by narrowly avoiding his flames from the side, and started to electrocute him while leaping towards the shrine !

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

Travis then unleashed so many thunders around them and his entire body started to shine a deep blue light around him and

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!!

FLAAAASH !!

An explosion of thunder occurred a front of the shrine !

"!!!..."

Therese and I shielded our eyes from the blast of power !

"..."

Then, no more thunders could be heard.

And both were gone.

'Where...where are they ?!'

~3rd POV~

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

Both Travis and the yellow helmet man were now flying inside the blue space !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

Travis was still grabbing tight the masked man by the waist and eventually hurt him with his powers !

His enemy used all of his strength to try breaking out of his grasp, but the boy was using his powers to multiply his strength and make sure to not let him go !

They seemed to be carried inside a tornado, but they were flying in every directions, especially die to the amount of powers unleashed by Travis !

SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

WOOOOSH !

The 2 persons were now attracted inside a white vortex, and found themselves inside a desert !

They seemed to be inside the desert of the Sunlands, but they were falling and about to fall on the sand when !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

FLAAAAAASH !!

Instead of hitting the ground, they were back inside the storm !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH !

They reached another white vortex and find themselves in the middle of the storm in the middle of a large ocean !

But Travis continued to use his powers and prevent the yellow helmet man to break free, while the latter tried to hit him to let him go.

FLAAAAAAAAASH !!

They passed again in the blue space, still traveling at quick speed as they reached another white vortex...

...and found themselves in the sky... above the clouds !

SCRAAAAAAAAATCH !

The temperature was incredibly cold and only the moon prevented them to be in the darkness of the night.

WOOOOOOOSH !

Then, the 2 started to fall from an incredible altitude, traveling through the clouds !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

FLAAAASH !

They were back again inside the blue space as Travis was still unleashing his powerful dark blue lightnings !

"..."

Travis instinctively couldn't stop using his powers...

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !

He continued to unleash them, even more than before...

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

He seemed to not be able to last longer...

SCRAAAAAAAATCH !!!

"!!!..."

Finally, he released the yellow helmet man, and was now separated from him !

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !

GZZZZZZ ! GZZZZZZ !

"..."

He seemed to be at his limits.

The boy used so much power in his lightnings to make them stronger than he had trouble to control them as much as he would with his light blue versions...

And so...

He started to lose consciousness...

~

A/N : Is this what we call an epic chapter ?...

Between all those fights, Therese who can use magic (she does in Champion of the Continent), the rise of the blue magics powers and Travis having what we could call a Disney death... I couldn't have written much less to get all this stuff !

Anyway, I preferred to include all of this in one single chapter instead of 2 to make it look like a final battle ! Maybe some people can be annoyed by how long my chapters are, but you don't really need to read an entire chapter in one time. Maybe 2 or 3 days will be good for the slow readers.

Anyway, next time this will be the final chapter ! Maybe I'll publish it before starting my new course, but we will see !

Can't wait to show you !