[88.4] Billy POV: More, Give Me More

[Author's note: This part of the chapter is from Billy's perspective.]

I rushed off the roof still carrying Astra and rushed over to the group huddled in the auditorium. Angie ran over to me as soon as she saw me, "Billy! What is that shaking!? Are we under attack?"

I nodded quickly, "Yes. We need to evacuate. Vira is here."

Daniel gulped harshly as his hair started to rise from the static in the air, "B-But why is she here? Shouldn't she be attacking the palace?"

"How would I know!?" I snapped at him, "And stop freaking out! You're going to electrocute everyone!"

Willis tugged on him, "Remember Miss Reika's breathing exercise."

As he took his deep breaths, Angie took a step forward, "Alright everyone! We have to evacuate! Anyone who can help carry the sick, please do it!"

A commotion erupted across the auditorium, creating panic and fear. Everyone was rushing to follow the escape route.

I glared at her, "Who put you in charge?"

Angie thumped her chest, "As the sister of the best Captain in the history of this Kingdom, it is my duty to lead the people."

I rolled my eyes. 

Why is she always so bossy?

Even in this kind of situation, she thinks she knows best.

Well…

It doesn't really matter.

I shifted Astra's weight in my arms, "We don't have much time so stop chattering!"

"What!? Ugh! Billy!"

I ran past her, "Come on people! Do you want to die or live!?"

Children barely old enough to walk carried babies while the elderly struggled to push those unable to move. Even with fear in their hearts, it was impossible to move quickly.

As soon as we made it outside, cries and screams resounded amongst the crowd. A dozen of Holy Priestesses were standing before us as if they knew we would try to escape this way.

Realization set in for anyone who was old enough to understand.

The corner of my lips twitched, "Lambs to the slaughter."

As I saw the army of Holy Priestesses with their swords drawn, a strange sense of deja vu came over me.

-I want to bury them-

My magic lashed out like a dog without a muzzle as I gave in to those intrusive thoughts.

"Sepelire~"

The ground suddenly caved in under their feet and they sunk into the dirt. They were strong enough to avoid being buried but as they attempted to crawl out, Angie spun around and shouted, "Willis! Create wind for everyone to hide in! Daniel! Let loose! Everyone else-scatter!"

They didn't need her to order them for they already knew their best chance of escaping was to run off into the woods connected to the Academy. As they all dispersed, the wind suddenly started to whip around and create a sandstorm.

It was so thick that only silhouettes could be seen.

Suddenly a sword tip broke through the sand rushing straight for Astra in my arms. Before I could react, lightning struck them and burned them to a crisp. I turned up my nose at the disgusting smell and looked over at Daniel who was coughing from the sand.

Does he even realize he killed someone?

Wait…

Does that mean…

It's okay?

My lips twitched from excitement.

Fire erupted in the sand, illuminating the person fighting. Angie screamed, "Billy! If you want to kill now is probably the only time you'll be allowed to!"

Astra groaned in my hands alerting me that her lungs were being assaulted from the sand. I quickly leaned her against a tree and used my jacket to cover her face to protect her.

The earth vibrated behind me as I could feel someone running over to me.

Without hesitation, I spun around and waved my wand, "Sepelire~"

They were instantly swallowed up by the ground.

"Sepelire~"

The earth pulled them further down.

"Sepelire~"

My lips quivered in excitement and I heard their muffled screams underground.

"Sepelire~"

"Sepelire~"

Deeper!

Deeper until you can't breathe!

As I pointed my wand, an ominous haze started crawling out from under my skin. Ominous black runes started fading in, but I was too obsessed with what was happening in front of me to notice the changes in my body.

Power coursed through my veins and it felt so much different than before.

Intoxicating.

Exhilarating.

I could feel every single footstep.

I knew exactly where they were without even seeing them.

More.

More.

The ground rumbled and broke apart, sending chunks of earth flying everywhere.

More. 

More!

MORE!

I want MORE-

"-BILLY LOOK OUT!"

My body flinched from Angie's voice and snapped me out of my trance. I was confused and glanced at my hands. For a moment, I could have sworn there were black runes on it…

"Behind you!!!"

I turned to look at Angie who pointed over my shoulder at where I laid Astra. A Holy Priestess had noticed Astra, a defenseless demon, who was sleeping and decided to target her.

Whenever she needed to be awake, she would always fall asleep.

She just had that kind of bad luck.

Perhaps she's actually a black cat and not a fox?

As I saw the sword approaching her, my pupils shrank as I screamed, "GET AWAY FROM HER!"

Uncontrollable mana poured out from my body and shook the earth. Cracks formed on the ground, causing many to fall inside.

Angie started motioning to everyone, "Billy!!! We have to retreat!"

I ignored them and the quaking of the ground to sprint toward Astra. It was only when I held her in my arms that I could breathe a sigh of relief. Even the Earth sighed with me as the tremors started to calm down.

I nuzzled against her sleeping cheek, "My unlucky kitty~"

How strange…

Why am I reacting like this?

She tricked me and then imprisoned me as her slave.

Yet…

When I think about that moment….

My lips quivered and I broke into hysterical laughter, "Hehehehehehe! I like it! I like it a lot!"

I picked up her body as a strange power started awakening in my body, "Astra… You'll regret binding me to you." 

I turned to follow the others in escaping, but my heart was racing from the thrill.

"...But I never will."