Chapter 47

Chapter 47

A sinister black ooze spread relentlessly above Elmont, while frenzied demons, devourers of magic, surged from the fissures in the ground, as if determined to reduce the entire city to rubble. The once tranquil academy was suddenly transformed into a hellish landscape, shrouded in the terror of this unexpected assault.

As night fell, the cloak of darkness provided even more cover for the malevolent spirits, exacerbating the invisible peril that now enshrouded Elmont.

Many students, lacking in magical strength, were drained and collapsed to the ground, their vitality sapped by the relentless assault. With no chance to retaliate against the sudden attack, even if the demons swiftly moved on to new targets after sating their thirst for magic, the fallen students still suffered from the agony of depleted energy.

Though the teachers had their own magic partially drained, they still possessed the capacity to wield high-level spells. Fueled by concern for their students' safety, the Elmont faculty had already begun launching a barrage of enchantments at the rampaging spirits within the academy grounds.

On the other side, the more senior students, still replete with magic, were striving to maintain their defense and protect the fallen first-years. Leading the charge were, naturally, the members of the Student Council. Under Ludwig's guidance, they swiftly evacuated the weakened students to safer ground, replenishing their magic while also assisting the teachers in combating the ravenous undead that wreaked havoc in every corner.

Gradually, as the Elmont faculty and students banded together in their assault, they adapted to the wraiths' attack patterns and began to seize control of the situation.

In harmony with Headmaster Augustus's potent purifying spells, the professors summoned their mighty magical beasts, tirelessly repelling and dispelling the malevolent spirits that threatened the students within the academy, shielding those at risk from harm with unwavering dedication.

The senior students, including the student council members, in turn, unleashed the effective offensive spells they had mastered, shielding their juniors from harm.

Certainly, there were freshmen who stood firm, but they were the more outstanding students in each academy. After all, the freshmen had only studied at Elmont for a year. Their magic reserves and mastery of spells were far from perfect. Thus, only the stronger junior students could maintain their lucidity under the spirits' intense magic drain.

Among them were Amelia and Li Qingzhi. After the green-haired maiden infused Bruce, who was on the verge of death due to magic depletion, with a pale green vitality that sustained his life, she quietly left her original spot and silently infiltrated the chaotic battlefield.

Everyone was preoccupied with fending off the relentless swarm of malevolent spirits, so no one noticed anything amiss about her.

On the other side, Li Qingzhi, despite having expended much of his magic in the previous contest, had gradually mastered the art of converting magic into true energy and vice versa, enhancing both. Thus, he swiftly channeled his abundant true energy into the magic he needed, preventing him from collapsing like some of the freshmen due to excessive magic depletion.

Li Qingzhi soon joined the fray, standing protectively before the unconscious botanical students. He gritted his teeth and summoned Xiao Zuo and Xiao You, the massive stone lions, to fiercely crash into and drive away any approaching spirits. Green vines sprang up around him, ready to lash out and whisk away any spirit that dared approach stealthily.

Carl and Horace, who had competed alongside Li Qingzhi earlier, were also occupied. Meanwhile, Mei Li and Ludwig, being outstanding students, wielded high-level magic that rivaled some professors. They dedicated all their might to combat the persistent assault of malevolent spirits.

Though the exchange tournament had been forcibly interrupted, they were now more focused and vigilant than during the competition, defending their academy with unwavering determination.

However, what alarmed everyone was that the strongest and most terrifying among the magic-devouring spirits seemed to have set its sights on the still-conscious Li Qingzhi, sensing an unusual aura of magic within him.

In no time, it seized an opportunity, pouncing on Li Qingzhi while he was engaged with other spirits.

"Snarl—!"

By the time Li Qingzhi heard the ominous sound behind him and turned around, the formidable spirit, with its sharp fangs and drooling mouth, had silently closed in, raising its razor-sharp claws to strike at him.

As Li Qingzhi's pupils constricted, he hastily darted aside, barely evading the unforeseen and undoubtedly fatal strike.

However, the über-muscular demon was astonishingly agile. The instant its attack missed, it swiftly regained its stance and lunged towards Li Qingzhi once more, bellowing, "Huh-!"

Amidst the piercing roar, Li Qingzhi forced himself to remain calm while summoning the stone lion and vines beside him to engage in battle.

But this demon was abnormally strong compared to ordinary ones. In no time, it broke free from the thick green vines constraining it and swatted away the two charging stone lions. Undeterred, it continued its rapid advance towards Li Qingzhi.

The peculiar, abundant magic within Li Qingzhi was like an adrenaline rush for the demon, its craving for that power leaving it heedless of anything else but to pounce on Li Qingzhi and seize that mystical energy.

With the most powerful demon targeting him, Li Qingzhi was on the brink of danger. However, he knew that he couldn't rely on anyone at this moment; he had to depend solely on himself. Everyone was currently in a state of high tension and unable to protect one another.

Understanding this, Li Qingzhi, despite being in imminent peril, summoned all his willpower to stay composed.

If it were Ludwig... if it were Ludwig, he would surely calmly utilize all his strength to fight back, not fearing...

Contemplating this, Li Qingzhi, a newcomer and exchange student, found his initial emotions replaced by a steely determination as he faced the formidable opponent before him.

In that decisive moment, he gritted his teeth and infused a massive surge of magic into Xiao Zuo, Xiao You, and the green vines, pouring out all the power he had just transformed. A wave of intense heat spread through his body, and instead of feeling drained from the magic expenditure, Li Qingzhi became even more alert and fiery.

This familiar energy stirred an involuntary excitement within him, as if something was silently connecting with his being. It was as if this force was etched deep into his soul, a part of his body, hence why it felt so intimately known.

In that moment, the energy that Li Qingzhi found profoundly familiar also seeped from his palm.

"Ah-ho...!" At the peak of Li Qingzhi's exertion, the ordinary stone lion and green vines summoned through plant magic were suddenly engulfed in brilliant, scorching flames. A potent aura of fire magic swirled around them, transforming their once resilient and lively forms into more aggressive entities.

The evil spirits, caught off guard by such a sudden display of formidable combat strength, were sent flying by the onslaught of heat and flames. Unlike the gentle nature of plant magic, the highly damaging fire spells fiercely seared their skin, eliciting sharp cries of agony.

Realizing that Li Qingzhi was no easy opponent, the evil spirits ceased their reckless attacks and began to retreat with a roar, seeking new opportunities.

Seeing that the crisis was far from over and the situation with the others was dire, the massive fissures that had inexplicably opened in the ground now widened even further. More evil spirits emerged continuously from the summoning array, despite the concerted efforts of the awakened students and teachers of Elmont to eliminate the attackers. The battle seemed never-ending.

Black vines, seemingly originating from nowhere, quietly spread throughout the academy, ensnaring unsuspecting individuals and severely hindering their ability to resist the evil spirits.

Meanwhile, the mysterious Danatec student responsible for it all continued to summon powerful black liquid, evading the attempts of Elmont's teachers to subdue him while utilizing high-level water magic. This defiance brought him immense pleasure as he attacked those who sought to restrain him.

Soon, Albin, reveling in the sweet taste of revenge, couldn't help but reveal a chilling smile as he gazed at the injured Elmont crowd and the transformed academy that now resembled a living hell.

The gloom hanging over Elmont seemed not to dissipate but, instead, grow increasingly heavier.

On the other side, Ludwig, despite his relentless efforts to fend off every malevolent spirit attempting to attack and safeguard the students of Armont, soon noticed that the situation with Li Qingzhi was far from ordinary.

The golden-haired youth practically noticed in an instant that the evil spirit engaged in combat with Li Qingzhi was not ordinary; in fact, it was one of the most potent among its kind. As concern swiftly surged within him, Ludwig promptly discerned the gradually accumulating flames of elemental magic around Li Qingzhi.

Li Qingzhi was a Plant Elemental Mage, a fact that Ludwig knew all too well. When Li Qingzhi first enrolled and used the Almont Elemental Stone to determine his elemental affinity, Ludwig had been nearby, witnessing firsthand the emerald glow that had illuminated the elemental magic stone under Qingzhi's control.

Yet now, an overwhelming flame elemental energy was erupting from Li Qingzhi, impossible to overlook!

Despite the earlier display of faint elemental traits in Li Qingzhi's magical beasts, Xiao Zuo and Xiao You, there had been precedents of magical beasts wielding multiple elemental magics. Thus, Ludwig wasn't overly astonished.

But now, Li Qingzhi himself possessed such formidable elemental power – something entirely unprecedented!

Watching Li Qingzhi engage the evil spirit in a tense battle with a fusion of plant and fire elements, the usually composed Ludwig felt an indescribable sense of astonishment. However, aware that Qingzhi was currently facing danger alone, Ludwig suppressed his growing emotions and swiftly reached out toward him.

In an instant, a powerful surge of flame magic energy erupted from the palm of Ludwig's hand. Alongside this energy came his ever-vigilant Flame Specter, ready to seize any opportunity in combat. The moment Ludwig issued the battle command, the blond master's familiar incantation echoed, and sensing the energy around it swelling, the Flame Specter dashed toward Li Qingzhi. Upon locking eyes with the evil spirit, it instantly unleashed its stored magical energy, employing its most destructive spell: "Roar!"

With a roar from the Undead Beast, a surge of scorching lava flames raced towards the malevolent spirit attacking Li Qingzhi.

The malevolent spirit, which was already struggling against Li Qingzhi, was caught off guard by Ludwig's sudden assault. As the overwhelming heat of the flames bore down on it, it attempted to retreat, but could not escape the speed of the lava. Meanwhile, Li Qingzhi's flaming vines took advantage of the situation to completely entangle the spirit, leaving it unable to dodge.

In the end, the weakened malevolent spirit, having been struck by Li Qingzhi, was engulfed in the terrifying lava. It let out a shrill cry as it slowly melted within the searing flames.

On the other side, Li Qingzhi, upon seeing the Flame Undead Beast, immediately grasped the situation. After collaborating with the beast to defeat the formidable malevolent spirit, his mind instantly conjured up the image of the blond figure that had occupied his thoughts for so long.

The familiar Flame Undead Beast, now acquainted with Li Qingzhi, turned to look at him and the twins before swiftly returning to Ludwig's side. Watching the Flame Undead Beast fly back to Ludwig, Li Qingzhi, his heart stirred, couldn't help but be lost in thought.

However, the current circumstances didn't allow Li Qingzhi the luxury of dwelling on his emotions. He momentarily suppressed his surging feelings, maintaining composure and preparing for continued combat. Nevertheless, Ludwig's actions had left an undeniable warmth and reassurance in his heart.

Though they hadn't conversed or communicated directly, their silent interaction seemed to dissolve the barriers and distance between them.

Both Li Qingzhi and Ludwig felt an unignorable emotion drawing them closer together.

Meanwhile, the situation that was slipping out of control was turning around thanks to the efforts of the Elmont group.

With the realization that the underground summoning circle needed to be sealed, Augusta, as the headmaster, closed his eyes and gathered all the magic energy within him. As he unleashed a surge of power, the wooden cane he usually leaned on struck the ground with tremendous force.

The instant it touched the earth, the tip of the cane erupted with an irresistible golden glow, flooding the surroundings with an endless stream of magical energy. The black abyssal fissures, which had defied the control of earthly elemental magic, began to close under Augusta's potent spell. The demons that were unable to escape were crushed between the rapidly closing gaps, while the malevolent summoning circle was sealed beneath the earth by Augusta's magic.

High-level light magic did not belong to the five elemental magics; one could only learn it after mastering their primary element. Augusta was already proficient in this art, and his light magic proved especially effective against the demons.

As the abyssal rifts closed and the summoning circles vanished, the endless tide of demons dwindled, no longer swarming out of the earth like an unstoppable plague. Hope dawned on the faculty and students of Elmont, who redoubled their efforts to defend their academy.

The student council members, maintaining order and evacuating the remaining students, also lent their assistance to the teachers in eliminating the lingering demons.

Finally, Headmaster Augusta raised his wand once more, having regained some of his magical strength. Prepared to cast a wide-ranging light spell that would blanket all of Elmont, he aimed to utterly eradicate these malevolent creatures threatening their sanctuary.

Noticing Augusta's intention, Ernest promptly raised his own wand, channeling a portion of his magic into Augusta, who was in dire need of it at this moment. The more magic they could muster, the more thoroughly Elmont could be cleansed.

"Children." Augustine closed his eyes, initiating the final spell of light magic. "Join me in repelling these remaining monsters!"

Under the guidance of their teacher Ernest, those who were still engaged in combat swiftly realized the plan and began transmitting their magical energy toward the elder, uniting their efforts for the final cleanse.

Li Qingzhi, too, utilized the last remnants of her magic to channel her strength towards Headmaster Augustine.

Magical energies of various hues converged upon Augustine, who then transmuted them all into a potent force of light magic capable of utterly purifying the malevolent spirits.

"Boom—!!"

With another resounding thud of Augustus's cane striking the ground, a brilliant golden radiance erupted instantly. Under the combined might of their collective magic, the purifying light spell spread rapidly, illuminating every corner of Elmont and momentarily overpowering the darkness of night.

The gloom and black sludge in the skies above Elmont were thoroughly dispersed. The enigmatic Danatec student responsible for it all, now powerless under the intense light, began to howl in agony like the other malevolent spirits.

In the end, he collapsed to the ground with a roar, his body dissipating into a wisp of black smoke as he lost consciousness. He was promptly subdued by Elmont's faculty.

Though there were injuries, no lives were lost. However, an oddity emerged: All the Danatec students were present, but their chaperone, Noah, had vanished from the crowd.

Realizing her plan had failed, Amelia, after a swift mental calculation, chose to retract her elemental magic. She silently stepped out of the shadows, revealing a weakened demeanor as she gently slumped onto the side.

Indeed, no one paid attention to her, as too many were weakened by depleted magic, all in need of assistance.

As the battle finally drew to a close, teachers and Student Council members began tending to the injured on the field.

On the other side, Li Qingzhi was genuinely struggling with dizziness, her strength waning.

After two rounds of exchange matches and the recent exertion against the evil spirits, Qingzhi had exhausted her last bit of magic at the crucial moment. It was only natural for her to feel utterly drained.

Despite not having her magic or true energy drained by the evil spirits, Li Qingzhi now faced the dilemma of collapsing from magic depletion. If given the choice again, she would still opt to contribute her last ounce of strength in that final moment.

In this moment, Li Qingzhi, now drained of strength, felt waves of exhaustion wash over him as he could no longer resist the encroaching dizziness.

With the realization that all the malevolent spirits within the academy had been purified, and both his teachers and classmates were safe, a weight lifted from Qingzhi's heart. But in that moment of relief, his strength gave out completely. As his vision blurred, he uncontrollably tumbled forward.

To his surprise, however, he expected the fall to be painful, but instead, he found himself swiftly enfolded in a warm and sturdy embrace.

Startled, Qingzhi slowly opened his eyes. Simultaneously inhaling the familiar faint scent of iris, he met the gaze of those deep, sapphire-blue eyes that he had always admired, like the vast expanse of the sea.

"Ludwig..."

Despite his weakness, Li Qingzhi couldn't help but instinctively call out the name of the person before him.

The blond youth could no longer conceal the concern in his eyes; as he held Li Qingzhi tightly, he could hear his own heart beating wildly, accelerated to an unprecedented pace.

The moment Ludwig saw Li Qingzhi fall, he could think of nothing else. The worry and anxiety swirling within him propelled him forward to catch the black-haired youth, leaving no room for the usual pretense of masking his emotions.

"Stay silent," the blond youth urged, his heart still racing with anxiety. "Rest for now; I'll take you to the infirmary."

Observing Ludwig's emotions resurface before him once more, Li Qingzhi felt a mixture of tension and relief.

How wonderful...

Just as Ludwig was hastily leading Li Qingzhi towards the infirmary, the black-haired youth in his arms suddenly beamed at him with a radiant smile, appearing not at all like someone weakened by magical exhaustion. "I thought you might never speak to me again."

Ludwig, whose mind was a jumbled mess of emotions, couldn't help but lower his gaze and voice his inner thoughts when he suddenly heard Li Qingzhi's words, gazing into the smiling face of the youth in his arms:

"No, they won't."

Ludwig's fingers, without conscious effort, tightened their hold on the person in his arms. "You're thinking too much."

"I'll take you to the infirmary first. We can discuss the rest later."

Ludwig was apprehensive about Li Qingzhi's deteriorating condition and wished for her to conserve her strength. He didn't wish for any mishaps to befall her; he wouldn't tolerate such an outcome.

On the other side, Li Qingzhi observed Ludwig, who was known for his cold composure, now evidently displaying concern and anxiety. Rather than finding the blond youth's lapse in demeanor unsettling, Li Qingzhi felt an inexplicable joy.

The lingering gloom between them had finally dissipated.

Every gesture from Ludwig conveyed that their affection had not waned.

All emotions were unmistakably revealed in every gesture.

Though Li Qingzhi had long grown accustomed to Ludwig's habit of concealing his thoughts and emotions, and was well aware of the blond youth's tendency to wear a cold and distant mask, in this moment, feeling the other's unabashed worry and concern, he found solace in his heart.

For he knew that this meant he hadn't completely drifted apart from Ludwig.

There's still a chance.

There's still a chance.

At this moment, Ludwig was carrying Li Qingzhi and swiftly flying towards the infirmary.

In Ludwig's embrace, Li Qingzhi gradually regained some strength. Though still extremely weak, he could now open his eyes, maintain consciousness, and look in Ludwig's direction.

By chance, Li Qingzhi caught sight of several brilliant stars twinkling in the night sky beside them.

Unconsciously, he recalled the last time Ludwig had taken him to the infirmary – the stars that night had been just as bright.

Back then, Ludwig had carried him to the infirmary in the same manner.

Lost in thought, Li Qingzhi, gazing at the stars, suddenly felt a inexplicable emotion well up within him.

Despite being utterly drained and exhausted from the depletion of his magical power, he was also happy because Ludwig and he had reconciled.

Somewhat dazed and weak, Li Qingzhi realized that his left fingertips had inadvertently touched Ludwig's fingertips as they held him.

As his consciousness began to fade once more, Li Qingzhi, seeing stars before his eyes, felt his heartbeat accelerate uncontrollably. The surging emotions within him were confusing, but in his daze, he instinctively spoke more candidly than when he was fully awake:

"Ludwig..."

The blond youth, upon hearing this, assumed Li Qingzhi was unwell and quickly lowered his eyes, asking, "What's the matter?"

Only to see Li Qingzhi suddenly open his eyes, gazing at him with a pair of deer-like eyes that shimmered brightly, "Don't ignore me anymore."

"Let's clarify our situation and proceed together from there..."

As the conversation unfolded, Li Qingzhi felt an inexplicable numbness in his heart, and his heartbeat accelerated rapidly. Nevertheless, he mustered the resolve to voice his true feelings:

"Always together."

After so many days of silent treatment, Li Qingzhi had come to realize that clarity was the only way to preserve the relationship he cherished most. Thus, he decided to lay bare his innermost thoughts and sincerity.

Upon finishing, the slightly dazed Li Qingzhi closed his eyes.

He felt no shame or regret, nor did he fear Ludwig's rejection, for nothing mattered anymore. Never before had he recognized his true feelings with such clarity.

And he knew that Ludwig would, too...

"Very well." In the next instant, Li Qingzhi heard the blonde youth's succinct but unusually firm response.

In that instant of receiving an answer, Li Qingzhi's heart was tenderly embraced by an undeniable warmth and palpitation.

Amidst his racing heartbeat, he no longer sensed weariness or fatigue; all he wished for was to continue walking alongside Ludwig like this forever.

As for Ludwig at that moment, he felt his once-shattered and cold heart pulsating with vibrant life once more.

Gradually, their two hearts transcended all barriers and drew closer to each other once again.

In this warm moment, their fingertips unintentionally brushed against one another once more.

Ludwig paused upon realizing this, sensing that Li Qingzhi might not appreciate such a gesture. As his heart raced, he instinctively withdrew his finger.

Just then, the black-haired youth with closed eyes suddenly reached out, taking hold of his palm and gently squeezing his thumb, his lips already curling into a subtle, mischievous smile, indicating his prank had succeeded.

"..."

In the end, Ludwig didn't say anything, and of course, he didn't loosen the hand they had finally managed to hold together.

Indeed, they had much more to discuss, but that would have to wait until Li Qingzhi recovered, Ludwig mused.

Meanwhile, Li Qingzhi, on the other side, couldn't resist secretly opening her eyes, immediately noticing Ludwig's ears, which had unknowingly turned slightly red.