Luke's eyes widened in horror as the Academy barrier collapsed in a single instant, its protective glow breaking apart like shattered glass dissolving into the night sky.
The sudden silence that followed hit him harder than any explosion, but he forced his breath to stay steady and composed himself immediately.
Shock had no place in a Grand Mage's mind.
Instead, he looked toward Aria with a glare.
"I didn't sense you," he said in a terrifyingly annoyed voice. "Even right now… you have no mana or aura."
Aria spun the Reaper Blade lazily in one hand and removed the cigarette with her other hand, puffing off smoke.
