The students from Gloria Academy quickly tightened their circle, their eyes scanning the shadows around them.
The corridor was still echoing with Mariinne's playful laughter, but no one moved rashly.
Adrian raised his hand to keep everyone calm.
"Listen up," he said in a low but clear voice.
"This girl is dangerous. She's from Dragon Slaying Academy, and she's their ace for a reason. She uses shadow magic and she's extremely fast. If we chase her one by one, she'll pick us off easily."
Maelis nodded lightly.
"She's an assassin-type mana user. She moves through shadows like they're nothing. But she has to come out to steal or attack. That's when we can hit her."
One of the support students, a boy named Ren, spoke up.
"She already stole one of our potion pouches. If she keeps doing that, we'll run out of supplies fast."
Adrian looked at Maelis.
