I Reincarnated to Another World as a Woman-Chapter 185: Unseen Enemies

"Thank you, Teacher! You won’t regret this!" Ethan bows deeply to Isabelle.

He has just received the confirmation that his request has been granted. Isabelle informed him that the magic lessons would begin as soon as tomorrow.

Ethan had made it clear that the Hunters’ first priority was to learn magic. They would only enter the dungeon again once all twenty of them could use magic.

The heartstones they obtained from the first dungeon were more than enough to sustain their training for the next few months.

The Hunters all agreed. They had seen what Ethan could do, and they wanted the same power.

"Imagine how powerful we’re going to be," Hawk had said once.

"Ethan," Isabelle says calmly, "as you know, magic is exclusive to us. You are my apprentice, so of course you can learn. One day, you are meant to take over my position within the Custodians. The Hunters, however, are not part of us."

She pauses, choosing her words carefully.

"And yet, we are allowing this because clearing dungeons is now more important than ever. However, we do not wish to see you or the Hunters flaunt this ability, nor spread it. You understand what I’m saying?"

Ethan nods without hesitation. "Yes, Teacher. I understand. Don’t worry. They won’t say anything. They also don’t wish to see other teams grow powerful."

Isabelle looks satisfied.

"Good. Then I’ll see you and your Hunters tomorrow."

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"Any updates on Arthur, Jonathan?" Victor asks over the phone.

"I tried calling him, but he didn’t answer. He might be busy. I left a message asking to meet this afternoon, or at least sometime today. I’m hoping he replies soon," Jonathan answers.

"You don’t think he changed his mind?" Victor frowns.

"No. I don’t think so. I believe he’s just occupied. Maeve is likely with him. She isn’t answering my calls either."

Victor pauses. "That’s something else I wanted to ask. I heard Maeve quit her job at the Library?"

Jonathan sighs. "Yes. She did. She didn’t tell me beforehand. Only after she submitted her notice."

"Did she explain why?"

"She said her new job, clearing dungeons, requires extensive training with the team. She can’t train and work at the same time. The training takes too much of her time." Jonathan hesitates. He doesn’t sound fully convinced himself.

Victor’s tone turns cautious. "Why do I get the feeling Maeve is growing distant? Is she hiding something from you?"

He pauses. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Victor likes Maeve. She is intelligent, disciplined, and aligned with the Custodians’ ideals.

And he wants to make sure she is still with them.

"Yes, I feel it too," Jonathan replies, his expression grim.

"She even moved out of her old place. She’s now living somewhere else, co-living with Arthur’s team," he adds.

"What?" Victor stiffens. "Is she... is she in a relationship with Arthur?"

It’s the only explanation that comes to his mind.

Jonathan freezes. "What? Really? I... I don’t know. I need to ask her." Panic creeps into his voice.

"If they really are in a relationship," Jonathan continues, his thoughts spiraling, "she might have already told Arthur everything she knows about the Custodians."

Victor’s expression darkens. "Then that would explain it."

"Is that why Arthur asked for access to our knowledge? Because Maeve told him?"

Jonathan’s eyes widen. "Oh my god. You’re right."

Victor doesn’t hesitate. "I’m going to Solarys. I’ll meet Arthur with you. Don’t meet him alone."

He makes his decision instantly.

"I’ll fly today. Change the appointment to tomorrow, Jon."

Jonathan exhales, relieved he won’t be facing this alone.

"I wonder what she’s doing right now?" Jonathan mutters.

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"Liam! More to your left! There are still some on your left!" Maeve’s voice blares through the earpieces.

"Arthur, don’t move. You’re exactly in the middle of them. Burn everything with your fire."

"Julian, at Liam’s right. Lower your earth shield a little. Just a little."

Maeve is busy directing her comrades, her voice steady despite the chaos.

The haelions they’re facing are tiny insects, almost impossible to see with the naked eye. From a distance, it looks like the men are fighting nothing but empty air. In truth, millions of mantis-like insect haelions swarm around them, filling the space.

Their wings are thin and nearly transparent, but they reflect light.

That is how Maeve is able to see them.

Theo taught her how to use light as a visual aid. With glasses formed entirely of light resting over her eyes, the haelions stand out clearly to her, every movement sharp and distinct.

She had tried to recreate the same for the others, but it didn’t work. They couldn’t see through them. In the end, they have to rely entirely on Maeve.

Theo stands beside her, eyes on the battlefield.

His role is simple. Protect Maeve. Protect the rear. Make sure nothing slips through.

He lifts his gaze to the sky and frowns.

More are coming.

Millions upon millions of insect haelions, pouring in like a living cloud.

"If this keeps up, they’ll wear themselves out," Theo mutters. "These things are endless."

Then, louder, "Guys, listen. Let’s try something new."

"We’re listening," Arthur replies, fire roaring outward.

Because he can’t see what he’s burning, there’s a faint edge of frustration in his voice.

"Julian, you need to make an earth dome. Big enough to cover the three of you."

"Arthur, you need to burn everything around the three of you before Julian seals you in. That way, there won’t be any haelions trapped inside the dome." Theo gives the instructions calmly.

"How am I supposed to do that? I can’t even see what I’m burning." Arthur snaps, frustration clear in his voice.

"First, move closer to each other until your backs touch," Theo says.

"Then, Art, make a fire dome around all of you. Maeve will tell us when there are no haelions left inside. Only then, Julian will seal it with earth."

"We can try," Julian says. He’s exhausted too. Fighting something he can’t see is mentally draining. He’s tried relying on his tools, but nothing worked.

"Alright, let’s huddle." Liam sighs. He looks just as worn down.

With Maeve guiding them, the three move carefully until they’re back to back, shoulders touching.

"Okay. I’m making the fire dome now," Arthur says. "Julian, you ready?"

"Ready."

The next second, a dome of roaring fire erupts around them, circling tightly.

"Hold it a few more seconds," Theo says.

"Julian, now."

A second dome forms. Solid earth rises and seals them inside completely.

"Perfect," Theo says. "You can rest for now."

"Phew. Appreciate it, Thea," Liam exhales. "But how long are we staying in here?"

"That depends," Theo replies, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Do we want to go out early, or stay a little longer?"

"How long have we been in here already?" Liam asks.

"About five hours," Julian answers after checking his watch.

"We’ve been fighting nothing for five hours?" Liam groans. "No wonder I’m exhausted."

"Exactly," Theo says. "One of the reasons we’re here is to practice magic. But if staying longer doesn’t benefit us, there’s no reason to push ourselves."

"Alright," Arthur says. "What’s your idea?"

Theo continues, "From what I’ve observed, the haelions’ biggest weakness is fire."

"Then this is simple. We create several giant fire tornadoes and sweep the entire dungeon. Burn the haelions, and force the King to show itself."

"Several giant fire tornadoes?" Julian frowns. "Only Arthur can do that."

"Who says?" Theo counters.

"We can all summon fire. Maeve has done it before. Arthur’s fire is stronger, yes, but strength isn’t the only factor."

"Arthur will create his own. The three of you will combine yours together. Merge them. Make them bigger."

Theo pauses, then adds lightly,

"I’ll make one too. I need to practice my magic as well."

He smiles faintly, perfectly in character as Thea.