Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons novel Chapter 242

The road continued its gradual ascent toward the city center where the academy stood. In the distance, the main towers of the three principal schools and the castle began to take shape against the horizon, their spires catching the late afternoon sun.

"Two hundred thousand points for Ren," Taro commented, looking with amazement at the pile of materials they had accumulated in two adjacent carts. "Even I obtained the equivalent of 155 thousand crystals... I never imagined we would get so much."

"And all thanks to Ren's instructions," Mira added, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"It wasn't just because of me," Ren protested, genuinely uncomfortable with the exclusive credit. "Everyone did their part helping me get fresh tentacles and the 3 big guys, also carrying their own weight..."

"A great weight in skins," Min added with a grin, gesturing toward the overflowing carts trailing behind them.

The conversation continued flowing animatedly in the cart as they ascended the serpentine path leading toward the city center. The familiar silhouette of the academy grew larger with each passing minute, its features becoming clearer as they approached.

But something about its profile seemed wrong, a subtle disruption in its familiar symmetry.

Trent was the first to notice.

"Something's not right," he murmured, narrowing his eyes to better focus on the familiar silhouette of the academy towers.

The conversations gradually died down as more students directed their gaze toward the horizon.

"A spire is missing," Luna pointed out, her voice barely a whisper. Her finger traced the skyline, indicating the gap in the academy's crown.

Indeed, one of the spires that crowned the east tower had disappeared, leaving an irregular stump where it once rose elegantly.

But that wasn't all.

"The section near the western cave," Liora leaned forward, her face pale, will-o'-wisp flickering briefly around her fingertips. "It's... burned."

A large black stain, like a scar on the academy's skin, covered part of the western wing. Even from a distance, the movement of workers could be distinguished as small figures repairing the damage.

"The school has been attacked," Larissa finally articulated, verbalizing what everyone had already understood.

A dense silence settled in the carriage. Students exchanged worried glances, some thinking of friends or family who had been in classes these days, others contemplating the unexpected vulnerability of what they considered an impregnable sanctuary.

The rattling of the wheels seemed to intensify in the silence, marking a somber cadence as they continued their inexorable, gentle ascent toward a wounded academy.

Lin must have perceived the growing unease in the carriage. She approached, her mount trotting slowly to keep pace with the vehicle. Her expression was serious but controlled, like someone bearing bad news but who has found a balance to convey them.

"We recently received a message from Julius," she announced, her clear voice cutting through the tension. "The academy is secure now. Wei and Zhao are informing the other carriages what I'll tell you."

Her presence seemed to bring some normalcy to the situation, an anchor amid the uncertainty.

"What exactly happened?" Taro asked, his eyes fixed on the evidence of the attack that became increasingly clear with proximity.

Lin took a deep breath, carefully weighing her words.

"There was an attack from Yino agents," she began. "The Ashenway family sent reinforcements by direct order of my aunt Selphira as soon as they received news. The castle could allocate few personnel due to other... situations requiring attention. The Goldcrests also sent 'support'."

The subtle emphasis Lin placed on the word didn't go unnoticed by Larissa, who narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. Political nuances rarely escaped her attention.

"And the Starweavers?" Luna asked, thinking of her own family.

"They couldn't send anyone," Lin responded with neutrality. "Lack of available personnel, as I understand it…"

"Two," she said simply. "Only two attackers." _{ƒreewebɳovel.com}