The smiles on Theophilus and the others' faces spread to the captive students, until Annan frowned and pointed at them. "What about them?"
“They slaughtered people in the Lower Hive Unrestrained and joined forces with ten Academies. Doesn't that break the rules?”
"That happened after you were eliminated..."
The Golden Giant reached for Annan.
Annan sensed no Legendary power from the Golden Giant. He still had a chance...
No one takes my money... No one!
With the last of his Magic Power, Annan traced the outline of a Spell. He tried to finish casting before his power ran dry, but he actually felt a trace of resistance from it.
Annan poured his final sliver of Magic Power into the Spell and shouted, "Your daughter's being bullied!"
The magic circle, flickering on the verge of disappearance, suddenly drew in a surge of pure Magic Power and took shape. Mr. Swaro emerged from the Portal, still holding the Spellbook he had not had time to put down.
"Who's bullying Alice?"
"Him!"
Annan pointed at the Golden Giant in the sky and slipped behind Mr. Swaro with practiced ease.
"I think that guy's almost Legendary. You probably can't beat him, and Agawar's hiding like a coward. Should we try Summoning Teacher Mel's soul?"
"...No need."
Annan thought he heard the faintest sigh.
Then the Golden Giant that had given the captive students hope deflated like a punctured bubble, gradually returning to the form of a young girl.
She landed, scratching her head with a sheepish grin. "My lord, I was only trying to scare them. I'm sorry..."
Swaro heard the girl's indignant thoughts but paid them no mind. He looked toward Alice.
“Father, you don't need to worry. Annan takes good care of me.” Ai stood beside Annan.
Mr. Swaro grew even more