My white arrow burst into Liz's chest.
Ah!
Liz screamed after receiving a direct hit. At the same time, the darkness that covered her disappeared, as if the chains that tied her body could fly.
Liz's body lost its strength and fell to the floor.
"Mr. Liz!
Laura rushed to Liz.
I was a little worried - well, I'm sure it'll be all right. Liz should be back to normal by now.
Philbus approached me.
"Magic Arrow that purifies the darkness... can you use such a thing?
"Yes, I was practicing at Lake Bijarne."
"Wow... but why did you shoot me all of a sudden?
"To find out if it affects the human body. It was an experiment before we shot Liz."
"No, no, no, no! If it affects you, I'm dead!?
"... I believe Professor Philbus is a student's teacher. For the sake of our students, we can risk our lives.
"Oh oh...."
"Because of that enthusiasm, you've accepted my request for cooperation. Try anything! I forgive you! Is that not true?
"Oh oh...."
Philbus' eyes are swimming.
"Well, well, that's for the students, right? This means nothing, it means nothing, haha, haha!
That's what Philbs said in a thirsty voice somewhere.
That's right... I was insensitive.
For the sake of our students, our lives are in danger. Sweet acceptance and chest tightening. That's not what I can do.
Philbus' character has risen again in me.
If anything happens again, let's turn to Philbs.
"Mr. Alberto! Doctor! Liz is awake!
"Ah, what, me?"
Liz opened her eyes blurry.
"... yes, I am swallowed by the power of darkness!"
Liz looked at Laura with a soft face.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Laura! Wow, what a terrible thing to do with me....!
"It's okay. You weren't crazy, were you? I'm glad Liz is safe."
Laura responded with a kind expression.
"Are you okay now...? Can I talk to you?
"... thank you, Laura..."
Laura nodded her words with a serious face.
"Last night and before - I was manipulated by a dark contract...."
"The Dark Deal?
"Yeah, I'm conscious, but I feel like I'm suffering - I feel like I can't move freely...."
That's how Liz rolled up her uniform sleeve.
Liz's white upper arm was revealed.
"Probably disappeared by magic earlier, but there was a seal of contract here."
Liz was right, she had no marks on her arm.
"The contract I made was a mistake...."
Liz said that and bit her upper lip. I regretted the expression from the bottom of my heart.
"Well, why did you sign the contract?
"... because my grades... were bad..."
Liz said that she felt embarrassed.
"I stretched out and entered the academy, but I couldn't at all - I didn't feel like I could get the school badge I needed to advance in the second year... But everyone in the village expects me. So..."
"Did you come up with a contract?
"... yeah. It seems to have an effect that increases magic. I managed to pass."
Then I took a breath because it was heavy.
"But you shouldn't have. I can't believe I can't disobey orders. I even called Laura..."
Huh?
"Get closer to Laura, that's what she said... I'm sorry..."
"To me? Why?"
"... I think I was interested in witch blood..."
Liz said in a voice that was hard to say.
"I'm sorry I got Laura into this for such a reason...."
Laura had a sad look for a moment.
That was all.
I went back to my usual expression and said this.
"It's okay! Still, I'm glad I talked to Liz! That's how I was able to help Liz!
"... Laura... thank you..."
Liz said so to squeeze it out.
"Yesterday night, too. I went to that classroom because I was manipulated by a dark contract. I noticed Laura, but I couldn't do anything. I couldn't do anything of my own volition."
"Did you go to the classroom where you fell?
"Yes, he tried to push me over there with the tools I used in the crime."
That's how Liz looked at her left hand.
Her index finger had a ring on it. Liz pulled it out as if it touched something dirty.
"Until now, this ring could not be removed by my own will."
"... what's that?
"Looks like a magic item to find the treasure he was looking for that tried to steal from the academy."
"... a sign of darkness"
Philbus snapped. And I looked Liz in the eye and asked.
"Liz, I know you were being manipulated. So, who made you sign the Dark Deal?
Liz said it clearly after placing it for a beat.
I'm Sirless.
Brain's friend is the owner of the Iron Medal, which has only three in his grades.
That honorable thriller...
That's where I got my mind full of things that bother me.
--It's after 1: 00 p.m. today... could you give me a little?
Brain said that. And then...
--I was worried about last night. Alberto, I'm glad you're here.
She also said that.
Here's the last word.
--Not bad... but I've already promised to see you...
I mean, I have an appointment with someone about last night.
If Surrez is behind this, it's possible that his friend Brain is aware of it.
What if Brain's meeting with Salles?
"It's dangerous....!
All of a sudden I ran, so everyone's eyes gathered on me.
"What's the matter, Alberto?
Brain may be meeting with Sirless.
I'll answer Laura's question.
The words froze the air in an instant.
"Brain just asked me to come with you because I was meeting someone about last night. I refused because I had an appointment with Laura. The place is..."
The moment I remembered, I ran unexpectedly.
The school building is L-shaped. That's why I felt that the classroom Brain was situated on the roof.
I stand by the fence and look down at the school building.
――
A classroom taught by Brain on the top floor of the school building.
Two male students gaze at each other through a broken glass window. I don't know the face because of the distance, but the two of them - blue hair and burnt brown hair - must be Brain and Sirless.
"What's the matter, Albert? Run!
Philbus and Laura will catch up with me.
I pointed to the school building and replied.
Brain and Sirless are getting along.
"Seriously!?
The sight caught Philbus pulling his face.
"Let's all go help!
I shook my head at Laura's voice.
"There's something I have to do before that."
"What is it?
I'm going to shoot Salles from here.
"Eh!? But it's too far from here..."
Have you forgotten, Laura?
Huh?
"The range of my magic arrow is..."
And I kept going like this.
Thirteen kilometers.
Ah!
I reached out to my right hand. Aim. Don't hit Brain... and don't kill Surrez. I weakened my powers...
After carefully making all the adjustments, I said the triggering words.
"Magic Arrow"
A white arrow runs like a flash.
A student with burnt tea hair was blown into the back of the classroom.