The combat arena, which once echoed with the cheers of the entire school, had now fallen into complete silence after the sudden interruption of that silhouette: a figure with long pink hair, clad in a scaly armor that covered her entire body. A massive shell rose from her back, with sharp protrusions jutting out like the spines of an ancient beast.
-Wh-what are you doing...? Who the hell do you think you are!?
( shouted the wolf woman, clearly annoyed )
Her hand was trembling... The punch she had thrown—striking directly at "Morgan"—had been stopped cold. And not only that... it hurt. Her hand throbbed from the impact, as if she had struck a living mountain.
-Damn it...!
( thought the wolf woman )
She grimaced in pain... and rage. But then, "Morgan", upon seeing her expression, smiled proudly. And with a mocking tone, he said:
-Hey, hey, hey... What's wrong? Don't tell me... did that hurt?
( said "Morgan", smiling and mocking )
That only enraged the young she-wolf even more. She growled fiercely, baring her fangs, ready to rip that smile off his face.
-Now that's more like it...
( said "Morgan", still smiling )
-Come here... let's dance.
"Morgan" began to walk slowly toward her. The she-wolf did the same. Step by step... Then they started trotting. And then, running. Both raised their fists, ready to crash into each other like two meteors destined to collide.
And then—
BOOM!
Their fists met... or so it seemed. The ground trembled. A cloud of dust rose, veiling the scene like a curtain of war. But in an instant, a strong gust of wind swept it away. And there they were...
Both fists—stopped.
A woman with gray scales and turquoise eyes had stepped between them. With no visible effort, she had blocked both attacks. Her wings stretched majestically behind her, scattering the dust like fog.
-I understand your excitement, young ones... but I'm afraid today's event has been canceled.
( said Zarathoz calmly )
-Miss Kalista, please return to your room.
( said Zarathoz kindly )
-Director, but he—!
Kalista tried to protest. However, before she could say more, Zarathoz gave her a serious look. A gaze so intense that Kalista simply lowered her head, clenched her jaw... and turned away, leaving without another word.
-And as for you...
( said Zarathoz, turning her gaze to Morgan )
-I'm not done! Don't get in my—
Before he could finish his sentence, Zarathoz delivered a swift blow to his stomach. "Morgan" dropped to his knees, his transformation vanishing, and he fell completely unconscious. As he faded, the only thought in his mind was:
-What the hell...?
( said "Morgan", falling unconscious )
Zarathoz effortlessly picked up Morgan's unconscious body. She spread her wings, rose into the air, and declared with a firm voice:
-To all students and teachers present: please return to your activities. Today's event... has been canceled.
Some students looked disappointed, others confused. But no one dared to question her order. One by one, they began to exit the arena.
Hovering above, Zarathoz turned her gaze toward Satana and, pointing firmly at the injured human girl on the ground, ordered:
-Bring her to me.
( she said, pointing at the girl in the coliseum )
Satana nodded silently. Zarathoz flew toward her office, carrying "Morgan" with her. As she looked at his unconscious form, she murmured to herself:
-Well, well... You're quite the curious one, boy. Seems I wasn't wrong about you. You're... a very interesting specimen.
( said Zarathoz, staring at "Morgan" )
-But why did you do it? Why defend that human...? I think I'm going to have so much fun with you, Morgan... the axolotl.
Upon reaching her office, she placed him on the same bed he had sat on earlier. Zarathoz could hardly contain her excitement after what she had just witnessed.
-Ahhh... Someone with no connection to her, doing something like that... It's so, so exciting! What are you? I can't wait to learn everything about you, Morgan!
( said Zarathoz, very excited )
Moments later, Satana arrived, carrying the injured human girl.
-Here she is, my lady...
( said Satana, a bit tired )
-Leave her over there.
( said Zarathoz indifferently )
Satana obeyed, laying the girl down in a corner. But then, a knock at the door broke the silence.
Satana rushed to open it.
Standing there was a tall woman with long white hair, gray eyes, and elegant black-and-white clothing. White wings extended from her back.
-Oh... Luzbel. What brings you here?
( said Zarathoz, seriously )
Luzbel glanced at "Morgan" lying on the bed, and then at the injured girl resting in the corner. With a peaceful voice, she said:
-Your presence is requested... in the Grand Hall.
Zarathoz frowned. Annoyed, she answered begrudgingly:
-Fine...
Luzbel lowered her head in a respectful bow.
-Thank you.
Zarathoz stood up and firmly told Satana:
-Watch over him. I'll be back.
Satana nodded with a faint smile. Zarathoz left the office, and Luzbel followed. But before walking out, the white-winged woman cast one last glance at "Morgan", smiled softly... and left.
Satana sat beside the boy. She leaned closer, gently touching his face, and whispered:
-Maybe... you really are different.
( she said softly )
The young woman smiled, relieved.
Meanwhile, "Morgan" remained unconscious... unaware of what awaited him next.
---
End of Chapter.
Next Chapter: The Challenge.
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Thank you for reading the chapter. I know it took me a while to publish a new one, but that's because I've been working on something really big for all of you, my loyal readers. Something I'll be able to share with you very soon. Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters—there, I'll reveal more about the surprise.