True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 79 - The Widows Crypt Pt.1

Arthur Leywin POV

"Arthur, Lilia!" Curtis's voice greeted us as we stepped out of the carriage. He waved enthusiastically, nearly hitting Claire who ducked with practiced ease.

Sylvie stirred from her position around my neck, her tails twitching at Curtis's loud voice. She'd spent most of the carriage ride dozing.

"How was your trip back home?" Claire appeared beside me, giving me a friendly pat on the back as Lily and I joined the waiting students. Her uniform was immaculate as always, badge polished to a shine. "You look surprisingly awake for someone who probably didn't pack until this morning."

"I resent that accusation," I protested, though she wasn't wrong. Beside me, Lily failed to hide her knowing smile.

"Good, you made it!" Professor Glory's calm voice cut through the morning chatter. She stood with her clipboard, already starting her headcount. Her eyes lingered briefly on Sylvie, and I caught a slight smile tugging at her lips.

I took the moment to scan our group. Curtis and Claire stood nearby, already discussing battle formations. Caera standing slightly apart from the group. Lucas was attempting to look important while secretly watching Caera. Several other students whose names I probably should have learned by now clustered in small groups, whispering about what awaited us.

One notable absence caught my attention - no sign of Tess. Though knowing her...

"Sorry, I'm late!" Right on cue, Tess came bursting through the front gate, her face flushed and silver hair looking like she'd run through a windstorm. She doubled over, hands on her knees, catching her breath.

"You're the last one, Princess Tessia," Professor Glory noted, marking something on her clipboard. "We can begin our departure now." After one final check of her list, she turned and began leading our group toward the teleportation gate.

Tess fell into step beside us, still trying to tame her hair. Sylvie chirped a greeting, earning a bright smile from Tess.

"Overslept?" I asked, grinning at her disheveled state.

"Shut up," she muttered, though her lips twitched with a suppressed smile.

The guard at the teleportation gate took his time adjusting settings and confirming details with Professor Glory. Morning sunlight caught the gate's crystalline surface, casting rainbow patterns across our faces. Lucas used the wait to regale anyone within earshot about his "extensive experience" in the Beast Glades.

"Enter one at a time," Professor Glory instructed, positioning herself to watch each student step through. The familiar tingle of teleportation magic washed over me as I crossed the threshold, Sylvie's warmth around my neck being the only constant in the momentary displacement.

We materialized in a clearing surrounded by ancient trees that stretched toward the sky like silent guardians. The air here hit differently - crisper, charged with wild mana that made my skin tingle. Sylvie immediately perked up, her tails swishing with interest as she took in our surroundings.

"Welcome to the Beast Glades!" Professor Glory's voice carried across the clearing as the last student materialized. "I assume for most of you, this is your first time here?"

Several students nodded, their eyes darting nervously between the shadows cast by the massive trees. The forest around us was alive with sounds - rustling leaves, distant calls of mana beasts, and the constant hum of raw magic that permeated everything.

"Hmph. I've been here countless times," Lucas stepped forward, chest puffed out. "I was an A-class adventurer, after all." His declaration drew impressed murmurs from some students, though I noticed Caera rolling her eyes.