True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 92 - Attack on the Academy Pt.3: Rage

Elijah Knight POV

The scene played out in slow motion for me, each detail burning itself into my memory with cruel clarity.

I rubbed my eyes just to be sure, but no matter how many times I rubbed and blinked, her figure wouldn't change. While disheveled and matted with dirt and blood, there was no mistaking that distinct gunmetal hair.

My mind raced as a part of me wrestled to figure out what had happened and how she appeared here while another part of me was still in denial. She wasn't supposed to be here. She was supposed to be with Arthur. The very sight of her in this condition made my blood run cold.

Whispers and mutters began to explode as soon as the students and faculty members alike realized that one of the prisoners was the Student Council President. The shock rippled through the crowd, voices rising in disbelief and confusion. Some called out her name, while others demanded explanations.

"Shhhhh." The masked man waved his hand theatrically for us to settle down before continuing. His gesture carried an underlying threat despite its playful nature. "I'm sure all of you are just dying to know what is going on, but before I explain, I'd like to introduce myself."

He took a few steps forward and straightened his robe, combing his hair back with his fingers. The gems adorning his outfit caught the light, each one pulsing with corrupted mana. "As I mentioned earlier, I go by Draneeve."

He made a dramatic pause, as if expecting a round of applause. The silence that followed seemed to amuse him rather than disappoint. When nothing happened, he just shrugged and continued, his mask reflecting the fires that still burned around the academy.

"I know that at this moment, you guys may see me as some sort of bad guy. I wouldn't be surprised, what with the attacks and the deaths, but I assure you, I am on your side."

That ridiculous statement caused an uproar, as jeers and shouts reverberated through the crowd. The gathered students and faculty members voiced their outrage, their fear momentarily overcome by anger.

"Silence."

His voice couldn't have been louder than a low growl, but the weight of that one word and the immediate pressure following it froze the crowd to a mute. The magical pressure that accompanied his command made breathing difficult, demonstrating his power without actually harming anyone.

"As I was saying...My name is Draneeve and I have come to save you all." Draneeve spread his arms in a grandiose manner, his robe fluttering from the wind, making him look pretty impressive. The magical barrier around him shimmered as he moved, its surface rippling like disturbed water.

No one said a word, too afraid of what he might do; all of us simply waited for him to continue speaking. The tension in the air was palpable, each person barely daring to breathe.

"You see, I come from a faraway land. This faraway land is a cruel, cruel place for the weak. Yes, I am talking about all of you. Those gathered here are considered the 'elite,' whose backgrounds and potentials make you the future of this continent, but from where I come from, you guys. Are. Simply. Trash." Draneeve's last words were spat out in a mocking staccato, each syllable carrying contempt.

"That being said, I have made this extremely long and tiresome journey to prepare those I deem worthy so that when my lord becomes this continent's new ruler, you guys will have a place in his kingdom and not be tossed aside like the trash you currently are."

I glanced back to see everyone just looking around, confused. By the expressions on some of their faces, they looked to be in disbelief. Not just surprised, but they sincerely looked like they thought this whole thing was some big prank. The reality of the situation hadn't fully sunk in for many of them.