Part 2 - Once again, Night

Chapter 5 - Second Class

But the victory was short-lived.

The 'Masked One' shook violently and let out a shriek that was beyond human. The sound reverberated through the room, filling it with a palpable terror that shook me to my core.

It redirected its focus toward Lyra, its three heads emitting a deafening roar as it lunged at her. Lyra met the attack head-on, her face poised and her fists blazing with fire magic. The creature clawed ferociously, trying to tear into her, but Lyra swiftly evaded by combusting the fire in one palm, propelling herself away from its attacks.

With her free hand, she pointed directly at the creature and unleashed her magic with a fierce chant. "Crimson Bolt!"

The point-blank hit caused an explosion of dust and debris, shrouding the battlefield in chaos. For a moment, I held my breath, hoping Lyra's magic had subdued the beast. But as the dust settled, the 'Masked One' stood unfazed. One of its heads' jaws dropped open, beginning to glow with a bright, ominous red light.

Before Lyra could react, the creature unleashed a devastating blast from its glowing mouth. The beam of red energy shot forth, tearing through the air with a sound like ripping metal. Lyra barely managed to raise a shield of fire, but the force of the blast sent her skidding backward, her feet dragging against the ground.

"Lyra!" I screamed, my voice barely audible over the chaos.

Lyra gritted her teeth, her shield flickering but holding firm. "Everyone, stay back!" she shouted, her voice commanding and strong despite the dire situation.

"T...That's...Mucik...It...It can't be..." Luna's voice was barely audible, yet filled with disbelief.

"Mucik...? What...?" I turned to her, trying to make sense of this new term.

She glanced at me, then back to the chaotic scene unfolding before us. Her expression was a mix of confusion and frustration. "Fine. I'll tell you. Mucik is a type of mock magic. It's always weaker than real magic. That's what I tried earlier... But that! That was the same, if not stronger, than Lyra's magic!" she explained, her eyes wide with incredulity.

I turned back to the battlefield, my mind racing.

Mucik... but why would someone use a mock magic when they have real magic? Sure, there are people who lack magic, but it's a rare sight...

"Well, well, well. The former Grand Cross is struggling, huh?" A voice echoed throughout the room, dripping with an odd disappointment.

The voice originated from the gaping hole in the ceiling. A man leaped down towards the 'Masked One', crashing into it with devastating force. He broke through the creature's branch-like bones effortlessly, as if they were made of brittle twigs.

The ground splintered under the impact, and the man finished off the creature almost instantly. The 'Masked One' stopped moving, its eerie life extinguished in a heartbeat. It was a display of overwhelming power, executed with unnerving ease.

The man stood tall, surveying the aftermath. He was dressed in a black sweater beneath a brown, unbuttoned leather jacket that matched his hair colour. Black pants completed his outfit, and his hands were encased in metal gauntlets, each designed with layered metal plates and fully articulated fingers. He seems to be in his early 20's.

"Weird, this 'Masked One' was stronger than other second class ones. But that doesn't excuse your inability to fight it, Lyra," the man said, turning to face her with a critical eye.

Lyra's shoulders slumped, and she looked down in shame. "My apologies," she said, her voice tinged with sadness and regret.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Konota. "Hey, that guy... he's Sterling Graves... the metal prodigy. What is he doing here?" she asked, her expression filled with confusion.