Somewhere in the airspace above the clouds between Red Goblin Mountains and the Blackmoon Region, a black magic airship sailed through the sky.

Blue particles of mana were crazily swallowed by two spherical magic engines that transformed the blue mana into thrusting power and levitation, allowing the black magic airship to travel at great speed and high altitudes.

At the front of the open deck, two beautiful women stood side by side while looking ahead calmly without being bashed by the powerful winds. Even their hair did not flutter.

It was as if an air bubble protected the deck from the powerful wind pressure that hammered against the black magic airship.

The beautiful woman on the left had jade-like fair skin, blue eyes like the clear blue skies, and long silky blonde hair lace-braided into a bun at the back but left loose at the front. She wore a simple blue and white renaissance dress with protective silver-white armor plating attached and held a silver greatsword that was almost as long as her height and wide as half her waist.

Although the beautiful woman looked like a holy knight, the powerful aura of mana exuding from her body spoke otherwise.

On the woman's right, the other beautiful woman did not lose out to her in terms of aura. Both of them were High Witches, existences that were very few in the whole Kingdom of Black Rose.

Nevertheless, the second woman had short red hair, red eyes, a fair complexion, and wore a dark-red renaissance dress.

The second woman did not carry a weapon with her.

"Although a few idiots made the Wyvern-type Abomination flee from Red Goblin Mountains, we could have still caught up to it before it could get the chance to enter Thousand Fog Mountains—if we had pursued it at full throttle. I did you a big favor by leaving it be, Headmaster Astoria," said the woman with red eyes, possessing a mischievous yet energetic voice.

"And for that, I am grateful, Marquis Ember," replied the beautiful woman with clear blue eyes and a soothing voice.

"On another note, I am using one of the kingdom's top-quality magic airships to give you a lift back to Blackmoon City. That's another favor, don't you think so, Headmaster Astoria," Ember Killian continued to speak playfully with a smile.

Astoria Braveheart giggled soothingly with one hand over her hand mouth.

"Are you trying to take advantage of me, Marquis Ember? Going after the Wyvern-type Abomination was just your secondary objective. Investigating Lord Istana and the events in the Blackmoon Region is your primary objective, no?" Astoria Braveheart replied calmly.

Ember Killian smiled and didn't respond further as she focused her gaze on the area ahead.

Meanwhile, a group of Aura Masters and Senior Witches watched the two peerless figures from the back of the deck with awe, fear, and worship.

It was rare to meet a single High Witch, let alone two High Witches in the same place at once.

Nevertheless, they had the honor of meeting both High Witches as they accompanied their Grand Inquisitor, Marquis Ember Killian, on her inquisition trip.

"Our Grand Inquisitor, Marquis Ember Killian, the High Witch of Purgatory Flame, and Headmaster Astoria Braveheart, the Battle Maiden of Holy Light… Just seeing these two together makes me strangely excited," an Aura Master whispered with his eyes glued to the front of the deck.

"That aside, the situation must be quite serious in Blackmoon City for Her Majesty to summon a Marquis-rank Inquisitor to investigate. I wonder what happened, though," another Aura Master spoke quietly.

"We'll know once we follow our Grand Inquisitor to investigate."

"Right."

That being said, some of the Aura Master felt a little reluctant to reach Blackmoon City.

Once they reach Blackmoon City, they won't get to see Headmaster Astoria as they have to follow their Grand Inquisitor, Marquis Killian.

The Grand Inquisitor may seem approachable and playful, but she could be excessively cruel and mad once rubbed the wrong way.

All her enemies had suffered the inexplicable torment of burning to death.

On the contrary, Headmaster Astoria was friendly and pure. Just listening to her gentle and soothing voice was enough to invigorate their spirits and liven their moods. With her Specialized Light Magic, Headmaster Astoria was like a saintess.

This was the difference between an executioner and a protector. And yet strangely, the two got along just fine.

…

Sometime later, the magic airship arrived in Blackmoon City, drawing the attention of countless residents miles before it even arrived.

Whether it was the City Lord of Blackmoon City or people from Blackmoon Academy of Witchcraft, everyone expected the arrival of an Inquisitor and the return of Headmaster Astoria.

As the magic airship descended from the sky, it parked neither in the open courtyard of Lord Istana's castle nor the flat field in the Blackmoon Academy.

The magic airship landed on a designated landing platform specifically designed to receive magic airships. It allowed people to conveniently board and disembark from magic airships, especially if they carried large cargos.

"Looks like we will have to part ways here, Headmaster Astoria. Let us grab a drink together later after we settled our businesses."

"Of course, Marquis Ember. Since this is my hometown, the drinks will be on me."

After High Witch of Purgatory Flame and the Battle Maiden of Holy Light bid their temporary farewells, they went their separate ways.

Swoosh!

With a powerful step, Astoria Braveheart lunged in the direction of Blackmoon Academy while carrying her huge greatsword, flickering past numerous buildings and streets in a short instance.

Astoria Braveheart completely showcased the physical prowess of her slender body, which didn't lose out to Rank 4 Aura Lords.

Within a short time, Astoria Braveheart reached the entrance of Blackmoon Academy, where a row of Senior Witches and many more students and servants behind them lined up in waiting to welcome her.

"Welcome back, Headmaster Astoria!" the people of Blackmoon Academy's greeting resounded throughout the area with great vigor and joy.

Astoria Braveheart acknowledged everyone with a nod and strolled up to Senior Elaine and Senior Gwena at the front.

The mood quickly turned heavy as she felt the concern and sorrow in the two Senior Witches.

"Let us talk in the office."

"Yes, Headmaster!"