​"Everything that I am is a gift as well as a curse."

Rumors about an infamous Mage-sprout - Azalea "The Bewitched"- had been circling around the Hunter's Council. Such rumors tend to attract the attention of various organizations. It's easy to tell with the uncanny similarities the men enquiring often possess. These malicious gossips had produced troublesome situations for Azalea's demon hunting job. Most hunters are afraid to team-up with her and some people are reluctant to make a hunting request with her involved.

During her solo hunt in Dimatagpuan Region, four students from the renowned school, AB Academy, appeared before her with an odd offer. This academy's Headmaster had grown a sudden interest in her skills as a Mage and he wants her to enroll as one of his scholars. It is the most unexpected offer which might as well bring the greatest change in her current lifestyle. Is she prepared to leave behind her normal daily life of hunting and fighting, to turn it around into an unusual daily life of socializing and schooling? How will she respond to her new environment as she learns more about who she really is?

Defiant

They all suddenly stand up looking so worried. 


Azalea cannot clearly see their expression but she can sense their actions. “O-okay.” She raises her hands gesturing for them to stay calm. Her breathing is slow but heavy. “Damn it!” She grumbles. 


 “I don’t really get what’s really happening…” Blair says. “But don’t just walk away from us… as if you are going on you own and deal with the problem alone.” She frowns. 


“Aren't you tired?” Evan asks without hesitation. “I know... You've used too much mana, more than any reveil could spare. The barrier for three large dorms. The battle with the enemies. Healing and supporting all the students. All to prevent tragedy from coming close to anyone. The way you're trying so hard to conceal you trembling arms and legs… You need to rest.” 


“Then where are you going?” Blair’s brows cross. “Rest here until Yan comes.” 


“That’s kinda hard.” Her nose starts to bleed but she just wipes it away with her hand. 


Counter 33: The Sky at Dusk III