“Two minutes?”Nayla’s eyebrows twitched.She had met countless talented people in her life, but this was the first time she had seen someone so weak compared to Hilary, yet still arrogant enough to make such a bold declaration right in front of her.Surprisingly, Hilary showed no reaction.She had been the one to give Rhys thirty minutes in the first place.Originally, she had considered allowing him an entire hour. With enough time, he could slowly adapt to the crushing pressure and inch his way toward her. But since this was merely an entrance test for the Sleeping Garden, she had shortened it to thirty minutes.If Rhys truly crossed the distance in only two minutes, there was no reason for her to feel insulted. It would simply prove that his confidence matched his ability.On the other hand, if he had made that boast without the strength to support it, she would only be disappointed.Rhys didn’t waste another second.He pushed himself forward again.The instant he stepped onto the

Anubis finished healing Rhys almost instantly.The wounds disappeared before Nayla’s eyes, leaving behind smooth, unblemished skin as though the injuries had never existed.She stared in disbelief.“…What?”Her eyes widened as she stepped closer.“Your healing ability…”“How is that even possible?”She examined Rhys carefully, unable to hide her astonishment.“This isn’t normal.”Rhys blinked.“Huh?”“I don’t know what you mean.”“Isn’t this how healing abilities normally work?”Nayla almost laughed.“Not even close.”She shook her head firmly.“Do you realize my healing ability is already considered exceptional?”“With enough Mana, someone like me can close wounds in under a minute.”She pointed toward Rhys.“But your familiar didn’t just seal the wound.”“He restored everything.”“The muscles.”“The damaged tissue.”“Even the internal injuries.”Her voice gradually filled with amazement.“It’s almost as if he’s reversing time.”She frowned before correcting herself.“No…”“That’s no

The news spread through the academy in less than an hour.“Did you hear the news?”“Yeah. They found a spy from the terrorist organization hiding in the academy. They’re going to execute him.”“As expected of the student council. They’re really dependable.”“Right?”Students poured into the main hall from every direction, curious to witness the execution with their own eyes. None of them were ordinary teenagers. As Beast Tamers, they had already fought abyssals and, in some cases, even human enemies. Bloodshed and death were unpleasant, but they were hardly unfamiliar.That was why no one objected to a public execution.At the center of the hall, a young man wearing the academy uniform knelt on the ground. Shackles forged from anti-Mana material bound his wrists and ankles, completely sealing his ability to use Mana.His vacant eyes stared at nothing.It was obvious he had been drugged.The crowd studied his face, hoping someone would recognize him.No one did.“Who is that?”“Is he f

Before long, every corridor, classroom, and training field was filled with whispers.“Instead of accepting Rhys, Grace actually chose Meave Talen?”“Did Meave really make some huge contribution? She did well during the tropical island incident, but everyone says she’s only average.”“She’s not even the heir of the Talen family.”“She’s abandoned everything the Talen family stood for. She’s disgracing her ancestors.”“She’s only getting all this recognition because she’s sleeping with Rhys.”Every rumor revolved around Meave.Someone was clearly pushing the narrative, trying to destroy her reputation piece by piece.At the same time, the rumors painted Rhys as the one who should have received Grace’s recognition instead.Then another detail surfaced.People learned that Grace had originally invited Rhys into the student council, only for him to resign on his own.That revelation only made the gossip spread even faster.After all, everyone knew how valuable a seat on the student council

The situation inside the academy only grew worse with each passing day.Two more attacks were carried out on campus.Thankfully, no students were injured this time, but that hardly reassured anyone. The second-year student who had disappeared was still missing. The academy had even requested assistance from the city guards, and together they searched every district in the city for any trace of the missing student.The effort produced nothing.As fear spread, students began voicing their anger openly.More and more people gathered outside the student council building, demanding answers. They insisted Grace take responsibility for everything that had happened.To them, the entire disaster had started the moment she staged the public execution of a fake terrorist.Instead of making everyone feel safer, that spectacle had only provoked the enemy.Now students had disappeared, buildings were being destroyed, and panic had swallowed the academy.The protesters wanted Grace to restore order,