Silverleaf Academy (XXXV)

As soon as Selene's voice dropped into that last sweet lilt, the entire floor split apart.

『 Plant Series: Thorn Serpent Surge! (✦ 6th-level Spell ✦) 』

Vines—thick, thorn-covered, and glowing with sickly green mana—burst through the stone, wrapping and spiraling around in twisting arcs.

They surged toward Aestrea like serpents, screeching through the air with a wet, snapping sound.

SWOOSH—CRACK—SNAP!

Aestrea didn't wait.

He kicked off the ground instantly, his legs moving even before his body screamed at him to stop. His knees ached, his muscles burned, but he moved.

Fwip!

His scythe swept low in a sharp arc, cutting through the first wave of vines with a clean swing.

The thick stems fell to the ground, twitching like dying snakes.

Selene's hand motioned again.

"Bloom for me."