The clearing was dead silent.
Class C stood beside me, weapons drawn, eyes hardened with resolve.
"We've got your back, Professor."
I wanted to believe them. I really did.
But they had no idea what they were about to face.
Kellan wasn't some second-rate opponent.
He was an instructor.
And in this world, the gap between a student and an instructor…
It was like comparing a flame to a wildfire.
"Julien," I murmured, my voice low but firm. "Fall back."
"We can handle—"
"Fall. Back."
They hesitated.
That was their mistake.
Kellan didn't wait.
Wind Surge.
The air exploded.
Before anyone could react, Kellan was already moving—too fast.
"Down!" I barked, but they weren't quick enough.
"Too slow."
Kellan's voice was ice-cold as he swept forward, the wind twisting violently around him.
Wind Blades.
Dozens of razor-sharp blades screamed toward my students.
"No!"
I moved.
Mana surged through me, faster than I thought possible.
Flame Barrier.
