I never imagined this so-called Black Beast attack was merely the beginning.

First, I had to survive.

Carrying Rhein Teacher on my back… I felt my steps growing heavier with each stride. She kept coughing against my shoulder, each ragged breath leaving a slightly damp patch on my shirt—her blood. This jolting run would kill her if she was already injured, but I couldn’t set her down. Everyone who hadn’t escaped had become the Black Beast’s meal…

That monster seemed insatiable, chasing fleeing students like a shark scenting blood. The blood soaking through my clothes now acted as a guiding beacon. Once it lost its initial targets, the Black Beast charged straight toward me.

I exercised regularly, but "regular exercise" meant nothing here. Carrying even a lightweight girl like my teacher was draining me fast. Just as my legs turned numb and distant, a figure emerged near the classroom building—a flash of crimson. Julia.

"Hurry over here!"

Spotting me, Julia waved urgently. Arcane Power flared around her body. Flames erupted beneath her feet, forming a massive crimson magic circle.

"*Flame Cage!*"

Even as Student Council President, Julia knew protecting survivors came first. Her spell forged a cage of roaring fire around the building’s entrance, shielding those hiding inside. Beasts feared flames—surely this would work.

"Get inside with Rhein Teacher! I’ll contact the Holy See for backup. This cage will hold!"

With that, Julia dashed out of the fiery barrier’s protection.

"Senior Julia! What if the Flame Cage fails?"

"Did you forget this is a *magic academy*? The Mages just need time to prepare!"

Her body transformed into a streak of crimson flame, shooting toward the academy gates. The Black Beast, now at the cage’s edge, snarled at the flames blocking its path. Then it pivoted—locking onto Julia’s retreating form—and bolted after her.

She’d outrun it. Relief washed over me… until another wet cough rattled against my back. More blood.

"Excuse me… let me through…"

The first floor was packed with refugees—closest to escape routes if the flames failed. The second floor stood nearly empty. Perfect. I found a vacant classroom, laid Rhein Teacher on a makeshift table cobbled from desks, and hesitated. *Her clothes…*

*She’s a girl. Is stripping her decent?*

*Decency won’t save her life!*

I tore open her robe. Beneath lay plain white, childlike underwear—thankfully unremarkable. No one would lust after such an underdeveloped body anyway.

My focus snapped to the massive bruise blooming across her abdomen. Internal bleeding. I recalled first aid: cut to drain the pooled blood. But the source was ruptured organs. Without stopping that bleed, draining the bruise meant nothing. And I had no idea how to fix *that*.

"Nosad! What are you *doing*?!"

Rachel stood frozen in the doorway. *Life Magic student!* If Holy Light could heal surface wounds, maybe Life Magic could mend internal ones too.

"Senior Rachel! Perfect timing—I need your help!"

"Eh? Eh?!"

I dragged her over. Her eyes widened at Rhein Teacher’s wound, tears welling instantly.

"Rhein Teacher she—"

"She’s alive! But she needs you *now*!"

I soothed Rachel quickly. Rhein Teacher lay unconscious, oblivious.

"I’ll help! What do I do?" Rachel nodded fiercely.

"Before surgery… we need to clear distractions. Anything interfering with the procedure…"

I rummaged through Rhein Teacher’s robe and found a compact surgical kit. *Disinfect first…*

Rachel gently removed the glasses perched on Rhein Teacher’s nose. Sweat beaded on the teacher’s forehead.

Suddenly—time froze. A fly hung motionless mid-air. Dust particles stilled. Only Rachel and I could move.

"What’s happening?!"

"I—I don’t know!" Rachel clutched the glasses, trembling.

A finger poked my waist. I turned.

Rhein Teacher stood there, icy calm. "Leave it to us. You’ve done enough."

"Eh? Teacher? But you’re—"

I whirled back. Her body still lay on the table. *Who is this one?*

Before I could react, another Rhein Teacher appeared beside the table.

"*We* said *we’ve* got this! Why are you still here? Planning to stay for the show?"

I stared.

*Three Rhein Teachers…*