The fedora came flying.
Fast. The trajectory—was aimed right at me.
But I had just thrown that sidearm pitch with everything I had. Dodging was impossible.
"Yoink!"
Professor Hanyuu, instead of firing the flare gun right away, prioritized defense. He used his back like a shield and intercepted the flying hat to protect me.
"I'll just tank the hat with HP…"
He delivered a spinning kick to the incoming White Stag, launching it back toward the magician. In one smooth motion, he raised the flare gun skyward.
Boom! The flare was fired.
He adjusted the angle so it wouldn't hit the lake above. Even through the heavy rain, the flare burned bright red with a blazing tail.
Was that… a signal for someone?
"OCTOBER, SEPTEMBER—support me!"
For the first time, the magician shouted.
He tucked the staff under one arm and reached out toward us with empty hands.