Wordless

Bang! The mechanical device in front of them fired a bullet. This was a special bullet made of mana that didn't cause much physical harm but could disrupt magical structures.

The trainees released ice shields in front of themselves to block the attacks. This task had two difficulties: first, controlling the coverage of the ice to properly shield one's body, and second, managing the thickness so it wouldn't be easily shattered by being too thin.

Li Yue, who had finished her classroom task long ago, sat on a nearby marble chair organizing her belongings. She yawned, having no interest in admiring the relief decorations of the training room.

“How was today’s lesson?” Black pushed up his glasses as he organized his course materials, chatting with Li Yue, who was packing up to leave early.

“I learned more useful magic. It was very fulfilling and interesting.” Li Yue gave him a polite, practiced smile. The magic taught this time wasn't very difficult—quickly condensing a water shield and then freezing it. It was a very practical, basic defense magic. For someone like Li Yue, who could carve magic circles onto ice at will, this was incredibly simple.

This method was identical to how she used to use her own blood to protect herself, only the medium of the spell had changed.

“Liar. You don't look interested at all; you were just asleep a moment ago.” Black smiled, took off his black gloves, and tucked them into the vest pocket of his magic robe.

“Ah... I was just a bit tired from last night. I tried out some of my own magic and ended up overexerting myself.” Li Yue gave a faint smile and tucked her textbook into her small bag. Thinking about what happened last night, her face flushed slightly against her will.

She had almost missed her first class this morning because she overslept. If Clo hadn't rolled over and woken her up by pinning her down, she might have slept until noon.

The thought of it made her break into a cold sweat. However, back when she was in university, she used to sleep until noon and miss morning classes occasionally.

Her state of mind was different now, as was her way of handling things. As for whether 'she' herself had changed, that remained an unknown factor.

“Overexerted on your first try? It seems you successfully cast the magic then.” Black smiled; this was within his expectations.

“Have you picked out a new wand? I noticed many students have already replaced theirs today.” Black smiled as he recalled his own wand. When was the last time he used it? It was on that sunny day before he finally chose Chants.

The weather had finally cleared up that day, but after being dumped by his girlfriend, he felt as if he were trapped in a rainy season. He had used his wand to pull down a few dark clouds and sat in the garden, letting the rain soak him all night.

He chuckled and glanced out the window, pursing his lips. He took two steps toward the window before slowly pacing back.

“I didn't choose a wand.” Li Yue’s ring flashed, and two silver handguns appeared in her hands. Their polished surfaces were like the surface of water, resembling flowing crystals.

“Guns? And twin guns that serve as a casting medium.” Black scrutinized the weapons. Their unique appearance seemed somewhat familiar, as if he had seen them somewhere before. However, back then, the weapons hadn't recognized a master; the frames were dull, and the surrounding red crystals were dark.

“These are much more useful than a wand.” Black laughed.

“They really are.” Li Yue blinked, scratched her head, and gave a small smile. She put on a small hat, smoothed her hair, and headed outside. It was already evening; Black’s combat practice class had been scheduled for the night. After a full day of classes, the already exhausted Li Yue was incredibly sleepy.

She yawned as she walked the path home. It seemed she didn't need to return to her old apartment very often anymore; Clo had even 'helped' move some of her things to Clo’s house.

It looked like she wouldn't have many chances to live alone in the future. Having another person in her daily life was something she wasn't quite used to. Although loneliness and regret were the main themes of life, still... if someone really was there to welcome her home every day, someone to say goodnight to before sleeping... it really was... wonderful.

Li Yue unconsciously quickened her pace. Clo had gone home early today and was likely waiting for her now. Although Li Yue always complained about the other woman being a bother, in her heart, she hoped they could spend more time together—even if she stubbornly refused to admit it to herself.

The moonlight felt slightly cold as it fell upon her, yet she felt a scorching aura surrounding her. This sensation gave her a faint feeling of discomfort. While her brow furrowed with unease, she also felt a wave of revulsion.

She walked slowly, sensing the ground tremble slightly, as if something had been rewritten.

This feeling... it was too familiar. It was just like when she used Blood Moon, creating a small domain to isolate herself from the outside world, within which she could impose her own rules...

An enemy? I don't seem to have any enemies; everyone who held a grudge against me is already dead. Is some Great Mage fighting nearby and accidentally caught me in the crossfire? That... seems unlikely, but there doesn't seem to be any other explanation.

She reached out her hand as a light pitter-patter of rain began to fall from the sky. Li Yue didn't know how large the covered area was. She spun a crystalline silver handgun around her right index finger, popped out the cylinder, and slotted a crystalline bullet into the only empty chamber.