Chapter 60

That day after school.

Ruisa was alone outside the kingdom.

She stepped into a forest that was about a 20-minute walk from the kingdom.

（...Alright, it seems like they're following me.）

Focusing her attention behind her, she sensed someone pursuing her.

There was one person. The individual was keeping a considerable distance from Ruisa and suppressing their magical energy, so an ordinary person wouldn't notice. However, Ruisa, who could detect "aura," was aware of the pursuer.

"Is this place good enough?"

A few minutes after entering the forest, Ruisa stopped at a slightly open area.

She picked up a stick nearby and started drawing something on the ground.

"〜〜〜〜♪"

Whistling a tune, Ruisa began drawing a pattern on the ground.

After about two minutes, the nature of what Ruisa was drawing became clear.

It was a "magic circle."

The magic circle is completed by drawing a pentagram inside a circular pattern and writing ancient language around it.

The magic circle has two effects.

One is to enhance the effect of magic. It can slightly reduce the consumption of magical energy or slightly increase the effect of magic, but since the magic circle disappears after one use, it is not often used due to the effort required.

However, the magic circle is primarily used for the second effect.

That is the "barrier." The magic circle has the effect of stabilizing the barrier.

While "barrier magic" can be used without a magic circle, the stability is completely different. Therefore, "barrier" and "magic circle" are very often used together.

Ruisa created the magic circle for the latter purpose.

"Alright, activate the magic circle!"

As Ruisa placed her hand on the magic circle and infused it with magical energy, it began to glow, proving that it had successfully activated.

"Damn it!"

The mysterious person who was following Ruisa exclaimed this.

Upon seeing the magic circle activate, they realized they had been trapped.

Trying to quickly distance themselves from Ruisa, it was already too late.

Ruisa had already caught the person.

"Barrier magic... Black Cage"

As Ruisa completed the spell, numerous black iron pillars sprouted from the ground.

The iron pillars, growing in a circular pattern, extended upwards, surrounding Ruisa and her pursuer.

The iron pillars that grew into the sky gradually closed and merged as they rose, forming a shape like a large birdcage.

"Damn! This thing!"

The pursuer desperately attacked the birdcage, trying to escape, but the strength of this barrier was immense, and they couldn't even make a crack.

This was no surprise, as this barrier magic was a direct teaching from the Demon King Testarossa. While it had no special effects, its strength was well-known.

"Finally, we meet."

Ruisa approached the person who could no longer escape from the barrier.

"Who are you... Huh?"

When Ruisa saw the face of the pursuer, she let out a surprised cry.

Because Ruisa knew this person. No, it wasn't just that she knew them.

Because... this person was Ruisa's classmate.

"Why are you...?"

When Ruisa asked, the person glared at her intensely.

The pursuer, "Aris von Delsberg," did not hide her killing intent.

The beautiful girl with long golden hair and eyes as red as fresh blood was the only member of Class Z who Ruisa had not become friends with.

"If I'm found, there's no helping it."

Realizing she couldn't escape, Aris took a combat stance against Ruisa, and her posture suggested that she would not hold back. It seemed she was seriously trying to kill Ruisa.

"Wait, wait, wait a minute!? Why do we have to fight!?"

Ruisa's confusion was understandable.

They had only exchanged words a few times.

Moreover, those few conversations were one-sided, with Ruisa speaking and being ignored. So she had no idea why she was hated.

"No questions. I will take my master's enemy."

Aris said coldly and lunged at Ruisa.