341 The Angel in White vs. Cynthia ⑤

"I certainly didn't expect a direct frontal assault, but what a pity. Still, I didn't dislike seeing you youngsters work so hard."

With those words, Teacher Coco leveled her hand toward us.

She was going to release a spell to deliver the finishing blow—or so she intended.

However, much to her misfortune, the magic failed to ignite.

"...So that's how it is," she murmured.

We had deliberately continued our assault until our mana was completely and utterly bottomed out. By keeping us engaged, Teacher Coco had been burning through her own mana without even realizing it. Between maintaining the field around the Shrine and the cost of sustaining the Barrier surrounding us, she must have been stretched thin.

And then there was the fact that she’d chosen to just stand there and take our final barrage.

It was a result brought about entirely by her own curiosity. Because we had no mana left for her to react to or siphon, Teacher Coco couldn't even manage a counterattack.

"An intriguing strategy. You've truly outdone me," she admitted. "However, don't think for a second that I'm out of trump cards."

She wasn't bluffing.

To my absolute horror, Teacher Coco pulled out a sword. I had never seen her carry one—not once. It was a development that no one could have possibly predicted.

In the next heartbeat, she moved with terrifying speed. She cut down Lilith in a single, decisive blow.

"—Lady Cynthia—!"

Lilith cried out, her face twisted in shock as she collapsed.

Lady Luna was next. And then—the blade was buried deep in my own chest.

"...I'd expect... nothing less... Teacher Coco," I wheezed.

"Phew. My heart feels like it’s about to explode; I haven't moved like that in ages. Sorry about that."

"No... thank you..." I managed to gasp.

Then, in the very next instant, the Shrine behind her erupted, blowing apart into a thousand pieces.

Teacher Coco spun around, her eyes wide with shock.

"...Ha. Hahaha. I see. I finally see," she laughed breathlessly. "Ah... it was all a trap, wasn't it? Every last bit of it."

"Yes," I replied.