The side gate of Lioncrest Academy was nothing like the grand main entrance.
Jagged artificial hills and dense rock formations framed the path, narrowing the terrain to a passage only wide enough for two people to walk abreast.
Since Alan and his allies were retreating while fighting, and Lioncrest students were careful not to injure their own in the chaos, the pressure on them was instantly relieved—they only needed to deal with the few students in front.
That's when Alan barked,
"Open the side gate. You go first. I'll cover the rear!"
Not a single one of them questioned his command.
After fending off yet another wave of attackers, Francis, Fort, and Blanche pushed open the side gate and quickly slipped through.
Alan, now alone, pressed his palm to his chest—then clenched.
A torrent of vital energy surged outward from within him.
Where it landed, it bloomed into crystalline flowers—each with an intricate design, their colors glowing brilliantly like gemstones under the sun.
