Ren Isana's combined attack immediately triggered an effect akin to a nuclear explosion. A mushroom cloud rose into the sky as Scorpio was instantly evaporated by Ren Isana's magic.
By now, everyone had reached a safe location. Looking at the massive commotion before them, the group was genuinely stunned. Sora couldn't help but complain in the public channel, "Class Rep, are you messing with us?"
"You could clearly handle this yourself. Why did you make so many of us come along? Was it just to leech Excelia?" She felt truly frustrated. If that was the case, she could have just fired off any random spell.
She wouldn't have needed to drain her Magic Power so aggressively for a single powerful shot; a casual spell would have sufficed just to get a hit in.
"That's right, it was to leech Excelia. Going all out just proves you did your part!" Ren Isana said, giving a thumbs up. "You guessed it exactly. I did lie to you all. Otherwise, how else were you going to leech Excelia?"
The group was left speechless. Why couldn't he have said so earlier? Everyone sighed, deciding not to press the issue further as they fixed their gazes on the blast zone.
As the light from the explosion slowly dissipated, a bottomless crater appeared where Scorpio had once stood. Scorpio had been completely obliterated by Ren Isana's magic.
Ren Isana activated his [Perception Magic]. Moments later, he looked surprised and hurriedly flew down. The others instinctively activated their own perception abilities and discovered something at the bottom of the pit.
Everyone's expressions changed drastically as they rushed downward. Ren Isana was the first to reach the center of the crater, where he found a little girl curled up. Scattered around her were several red orbs the size of basketballs.
"How is this possible? A Cursed Child?" Mahiru Shiina looked at the child in disbelief and quickly stepped forward to cast [Healing Magic].
Asagi Aiba spoke in a low, heavy voice, "When a Cursed Child reaches a high erosion rate, they turn into Gastrea. It looks like this Tier 5 was originally a child."
She had read many records and understood the situation well. Hearing this, the others' faces paled instantly. They all turned to look at Asagi Aiba, and Sora asked hesitantly, "Are you saying all the Gastrea we've killed until now could have been children?"
She could hardly believe what she was hearing. If it were true, then they had... She found it difficult to accept this news!
"No! Not all Gastrea are like that. It's likely only a minority. Considering the sheer number of Gastrea, there couldn't possibly be that many children. Many animals also turn into Gastrea," Ren Isana said, shaking his head.
He walked over to collect the materials that had dropped and then fixed his eyes on the completely unconscious child. He knelt down and placed a hand on her head.
He spoke slowly, "This child's potential is at a monster level, which is likely why she became a Tier 5. Her current strength is already at Tier 4, despite having no training."
Ren Isana sensed her carefully; her physical constitution was terrifyingly powerful. Being Tier 4 while still just a child was truly extraordinary.
This made Ren Isana realize that perhaps only a child with such aptitude could reach Tier 5. Furthermore, she had survived one of his spells and been knocked back into her original form.
The group felt slightly better after hearing Ren Isana's explanation, though they were still shocked. It was terrifying that someone so young could be Tier 4. And Tier 5s... they had appeared many years ago, hadn't they?
According to the information from this world, these Tier 5 Gastrea appeared during the initial Gastrea Virus outbreak over ten years ago. This child would likely be in her teens by now.
"She seems to be in a deep coma. I can't wake her!" Mahiru Shiina said. After the treatment, her body was no longer in danger.
However, the deeper issues remained unknown. Mahiru couldn't diagnose the reason for the coma, which left her frustrated, as this was the first time she had encountered such a situation.
"Let's take her back first and let the people over there worry about it," Ren Isana said as he picked her up. The child had to be brought back, but how she would be treated was beyond his concern.
The others nodded in agreement. There was no other choice. They would send her back and let Natsuki handle the recovery.
"Then let's go back!" Sora added quickly. She was still brooding over the fact that she had come all this way just to fire one spell. Next time, she definitely wouldn't drain her Magic Power completely.
The group nodded, preparing to leave the crater and return to the Tokyo Area. However, Ren Isana's next move left them baffled.
"Running back is too slow. We'll just activate the [Magic Mark] Natsuki-chan left on us. It's a waste not to use it."
Who would want to struggle through the trek back?
When they had arrived, Natsuki had left spatial marks on everyone. These marks allowed them to return instantly, making the walk back unnecessary.
Ren Isana knew how to activate them, and he could even provide marks to others himself. Activating the marks to return was undoubtedly the fastest method.
Ren Isana immediately activated the mark on his forehead. A moment later, a purple spatial Magic Circle appeared beneath their feet, and the teleportation began.
Everyone was a bit speechless. Sora couldn't help but mutter, "I just hope Natsuki-sensei doesn't kill us for doing this!"
As she finished her sentence, the group was instantly teleported away. Natsuki sensed the activation of the marks immediately. Back at her home, Natsuki's brow furrowed.
Why were all those brats' marks activated at once? Confused, Natsuki instantly teleported herself. When she reappeared, she was inside the underground room.
This was the location where Ren Isana and the others had first teleported to. Not long after she arrived, the group's figures manifested. Seeing that everyone was safe, Natsuki looked puzzled.
Then, her gaze fell upon the little girl in Ren Isana's arms. Natsuki's eyes flickered, and she appeared in front of him, reaching out to touch the small girl.
"What's the situation? This little one is also a Cursed Child?" After a brief sensing, Natsuki was stunned. She could already feel the girl's strength.
Isn't this a bit too much? Tier 4 physical stats at such a young age? This was insane. But what was with this state she was in?
"She is Scorpio, the Tier 5 Gastrea from that world. After we killed Scorpio, this child appeared," Ren Isana explained.
Hearing this, Natsuki instantly understood. She looked at the child with disbelief. "Scorpio... I see. No wonder her talent is so high. So, you used the mark to come back for her sake?"
Ren Isana nodded. He looked at the little girl in his arms and said, "Mahiru has already treated her, but she won't wake up. I brought her back to hand her over to you."
After understanding the situation, Natsuki nodded, though she suspected Ren Isana only activated the mark because he didn't want to walk. With a internal sigh, she spoke.
"I understand. I'll have her thoroughly checked. If that doesn't work, I'll call Miach over."
Natsuki reached out and took the little girl from Ren Isana's arms. She glanced at the group and said, "Go out through the stairs to get back to the surface. You know how to make marks yourself, so handle it when you leave!"
With that, Natsuki vanished to take the child for an examination. As for Ren Isana and the others? She didn't need to worry about them; they were old enough to find their own way.
After Natsuki left, Ren Isana and the others exited the room. Moving through the corridor and up the stairs, they reached the plaza outside.
Ren Isana wasn't in a hurry to return to the other side. Instead, he gathered the group in a corner of the plaza to talk. He looked at them and asked, "Did you all receive Excelia just now?"
If not, Ren Isana would have to change strategies. If they did, they would continue grinding like this — everyone would get a hit in, and then Ren Isana would go all out to finish the Gastrea.
In response to his question, the group nodded. Asuna was the first to speak. "When the Gastrea was killed, we received a massive amount of Excelia. It's equivalent to grinding in the Dungeon for several days."
Asuna explained her situation, and the others quickly chimed in with their agreement. Bell and Haruhime, being the weakest, had received the most Excelia.
They would likely level up if they killed just one more. They shared their status with Ren Isana. After listening to their explanations, Ren Isana rubbed his chin.
"It looks like the plan will work. In that case, let's continue."
He then looked at Asagi Aiba and said, "Asagi, please organize the locations of the remaining Tier 5 Gastrea. We'll hunt the closest ones first. Have Seitenshi arrange a plane for us."
Some of the Tier 5s were located very far away, requiring transportation. Otherwise, if they went on foot, heaven knows when they would arrive.
Asagi Aiba nodded. "I'll arrange it as soon as I get back. Seitenshi won't have a problem with it."
She was also excited about the upcoming operations. This was the first time she had gained so much Excelia, and she was looking forward to what was next. Perhaps she could even break through to Tier 5?
The group returned to the other world, and Asagi Aiba immediately went to coordinate. She informed Seitenshi that they needed a transport plane.
Upon hearing the news, Seitenshi responded immediately, "No problem. I will have one prepared for you right away to ensure you reach your destination as soon as possible."
She then hesitated before speaking again. "If you need to go to other cities, the people there will cooperate. They are aware of the other world now and mostly hope to establish cooperation."
She explained what had happened during Asagi's absence. Asagi was surprised to hear that those people were actually looking for cooperation.
However, after a moment's thought, she understood. Faced with an irresistible force, they had no choice. Choosing to be enemies would only lead to death.
Cooperation was the best option, though not everyone was qualified to cooperate. Even if they wanted to, the other side might not see them as worthy. Asagi nodded to herself.
"I understand. I'll tell Ren Isana and have the Class Rep pass it up the chain." She had no intention of interfering herself; it was better to let Ren Isana handle such matters.
Seitenshi nodded, wisely deciding not to push the issue. Once they finished their discussion, Seitenshi immediately began the arrangements.
Asagi Aiba then passed the news to Ren Isana. Hearing Seitenshi's message, Ren Isana nodded indifferently. "I got it. I'll tell Natsuki-sensei."
For the same reason, he didn't plan to get involved. This was something for Natsuki to handle. What did it have to do with him? Ren Isana had only one goal now.
That was to completely eliminate the remaining Tier 5s. At the same time, he wanted to see just how many children he could pull out of them.
With the plan decided, the group set out again the next day. Led by Seitenshi's Civil Security Corps, they arrived at a military airport and boarded a transport plane toward the next Tier 5 Gastrea.
The transport plane took them near the closest Gastrea. This time, they were facing Leo, a beast residing in a primeval forest.
Leo was a massive four-legged beast with multiple heads. Not only did its fur act as tentacles, but it also possessed a powerful sonic attack.
At an altitude of ten thousand meters, once they reached the destination, the hatch opened. Ren Isana was the first to jump.
No one brought a parachute because they didn't need one. Even if they couldn't fly, they could use [Lightness Technique] to float for a bit.
As long as they weren't afraid of heights, they could react before hitting the ground to avoid death. Besides, Ren Isana and the others could actually fly.
Even if the newer students weren't proficient, they could fly with help. The group used [Lightness Technique] as they entered a free fall from ten thousand meters.
In mid-air, Asuna used wind to maneuver herself next to Ren Isana and asked, "Should we attack first, or wait until we land to discuss?"
Ren Isana looked down and replied, "I'll provide a cushion for everyone later. For now, everyone use [Piercing Magic Cannon] to attack downward. I'll fire last to finish it in one go."
There was still some distance between where they were falling and Leo's position; they weren't landing directly on its head. Once they were in range, they would all attack together.
Ren Isana's words were transmitted to everyone's ears via the [Magic Mark]. Hearing the plan, everyone drew their weapons.
Leeching Excelia was fine as long as it improved their strength. With that thought, they began to adjust their states. Once they reached a certain height, an updraft appeared.
The moment they felt the updraft, everyone activated [Lightness Technique]. The rising air current suddenly lifted them, allowing everyone to move with ease.
Those capable of [Flight Magic] quickly adjusted their positions. Everyone locked onto Leo and raised their staves to cast magic.
Magic Circles lit up in the sky. This time, no one was like Sora from before, draining their Magic Power completely.
None of them wanted to fall and turn into a pancake because they ran out of mana; that would be far too embarrassing. The gathering Magic Power immediately alerted Leo to the danger, and the previously crouching beast stood up.
Its multiple heads locked onto the group in the sky, and it let out a furious roar. A terrifying sonic attack rippled out, visible waves of sound blasting toward Ren Isana and the others at incredible speed.
"[Shield of Sighs]!" Ren Isana was the first to react. A Magic Circle formed in the air, instantly creating a giant bubble that enveloped everyone.
The sonic attack slammed into them an instant later. Since sound travels fast, the white ripples squeezed against Ren Isana's group from all directions.
However, under the protection of the [Shield of Sighs], the attacks were completely blocked, leaving only faint ripples on the surface of the shield.
"Attack!" At Ren Isana's command, a volley of [Piercing Magic Cannon] fired. Beams of white light descended from the heavens, striking toward Leo.
After the attack, the group quickly adjusted their descent. Those who couldn't fly were caught by their classmates, who helped them glide toward the ground.
Boom! Boom! Boom! The magic cannons struck Leo with precision. It had expected its attack to wipe out the humans instantly and hadn't prepared to dodge, so it could only watch as the beams slammed into its body.