Chapter 96 | October 11th | Did Someone Have A Bad Day? Poor Baby.

                                    

                                          
Timeline - October 11th | ( 2 days later)
With rapid reflexes, Matthew dodged yet another lethal strike aimed straight at him. As he spun around, his powers surged at his fingertips, releasing a brilliant burst that made the attacking creature howl in pain and retreat.
He had been weaving in and out of the battlefield, coordinating with his team. Jasmine and Mya had significantly enhanced their abilities since their training a week earlier, expertly wielding their crystals to burn, freeze, annihilate, electrify, and even decapitate the creatures they faced.
Their healing skills were swiftly advancing with each day, and he was confident that even close brushes with death would soon not deter them. They might be momentarily weakened, but with the power of the crystals, they were nearing invincibility at this point.
As Matthew decapitated another Youma beyond the Praspice gates at the northern edge of Isadora's region, he was aware that the rest of the group was not far away, battling the harsh elements on the island. Over the years, they had found it to be an ideal training ground.
"So, this is where you pesky warriors come to train," a high-pitched tone of annoyance made Matthew turn slightly. With his sword firmly grasped in his hand, he was met with a look of hatred and disgust from Lara, who had returned to annihilate them all.
Lara's attire highlighted her figure, and her powers were ablaze, with her hair slicked back into a short ponytail. She seemed to emanate dark energy from within. She had come to this place with a merciless intent: to annihilate them all and return to her mistress with the crystals, reveling over their pitiful remains.
"I was wondering when you would come out to play," Matthew taunted her with a mocking tone.
"As was I," Snow retorted smugly, and Matthew exhaled, he knew exactly the acidic tone that entered the field had belonged to.
Suddenly, his frenemy of a pain in the ass and partner in the fight against evil appeared beside him. Snow was the only person he knew that could keep up with him, and the only other person he had confidence in that wouldn't quit until this war is done with.
***** ****
With her arms crossed, Eko intensified her powers and instantly located Lara the moment she entered their domain. Luckily, Matthew and the rest were engrossed in managing the aftermath of the headmaster titles, understanding their significance for the academy, discerning the immediate and future expectations from Matthew, and strategizing for the forthcoming months in the context of the war.
Eko felt a deep sense of sorrow, knowing the burden Matthew carried since Cid was forced to give up the headmaster position and now Matthew was compelled to assume the role by the board and the courts. She had scarcely seen him since then, only managing to sneak into his room to find him passed out, still clothed, and neglecting basic needs like eating and bathing.
In those moments, Eko would gently crawl into bed with Matthew, nestling into his arms. He would awaken just enough to draw her closer, seeking comfort in her embrace before slipping back into slumber. Nevertheless, Matthew's unwavering dedication to his duties rendered him unaware of Eko's departures as she ventured out to confront the Youmas.
Yet, being out in the field also meant confronting the warrior she detested most - Ace. His appearance alongside Lara was no mere coincidence, his primary objective clearly being to eliminate her. Eko couldn't deny Ace's proficiency in his role; if it were otherwise, she might have been tempted to let Lara kill him off without intervention.
If the situation ever escalated to a breaking point, she entertained a profound fantasy of plunging a dagger directly into his heart. He had certainly earned such a fate with a relentless barrage of harassment and snarky remarks directed at her since their childhood. Unfortunately, despite his unbearable attitude, he was undeniably skilled in taking on their enemies.