Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 195: The Ambush (Part-3)

Zora had no patience for meaningless threats. Numbers meant nothing before the outcome was decided. Moreover, the two instructors were watching from the shadows. There was nothing to fear.

If they wanted to fight, then fight properly.

Reesa instinctively tugged at Zora’s sleeve, but when she met her composed expression, her own heart gradually steadied.

The heaviness pressing on Marcus and the others also eased slightly. Zora was right. Since there was no way to reconcile, then... hesitation would only lead to worse consequences.

Nathaniel’s expression grew darker. He had hoped to seize an opening and strike Zora by surprise. Instead, she stood there radiating confidence, as though completely unfazed by their numerical advantage.

Did she even understand the situation she was in?

Meanwhile, Julian studied her more carefully now. Last time, she had been an unexpected variable. This time, her bearing was even more composed, even more dangerous.

This woman was far from simple.

What they all failed to truly account for, however, was the man standing quietly beside her.

From beginning to end, Prince Kael had not spoken a single word. Not because he was afraid, but because these people were simply not worth his breath.

A group of clowns shouting bravado.

It was laughable.

"Since you refuse to choose the easy path," Julian then snarled, his face twisted with fury as he addressed everyone, "then I’ll make sure you understand what regret truly feels like!"

He turned sharply toward Thaddeus.

Thaddeus gave a slight nod. His expression hardened, and with a decisive wave of his hand, his voice rang out cold and clear.

"Attack!"

The mercenaries behind him responded instantly, weapons flashing as they surged forward without hesitation toward Zora and the others.

In that instant, the air tightened like a drawn bowstring, killing intent surging as battle erupted.

From not far away, hidden within the shadows, Sebastian and Miel watched the scene unfold, their expressions subtly shifting.

"It seems this isn’t the first time Julian has clashed with Alaric Von Seraph," Miel said slowly.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "In that case... should we intervene?"

"Unless things reach a truly critical point, there’s no need for us to intervene," Miel said calmly. "The situation is a bit complicated right now, but I believe these youngsters can hold on for a while."

Sebastian nodded in agreement. "Hmm... I guess you are right." This had been their intention from the start.

Thaddeus wasn’t entirely wrong. Compared to mercenaries who lived on the edge of life and death, the students of the academy were indeed lacking in bloodiness and ruthlessness. That was precisely why the academy insisted on sending them out on real missions.

On the Holy Mystic Continent, strength alone was never enough. Guts, decisiveness, and the ability to face death head-on were often what determined survival. There were countless examples of so-called geniuses falling at the hands of weaker but battle-hardened mercenaries.

If students were rescued the moment danger appeared, then all of this training would be meaningless.

Sometimes, standing at the edge of life and death was the fastest way to sharpen one’s blade.

"Zora really is different," Sebastian said with a faint smile. "There’s a reason we never bothered forcing her back to the academy."

Miel nodded thoughtfully. "You can tell from the way she’s handled everything. Most people, after being mocked and targeted again and again, would gradually lose confidence. Their temperament would soften, even crumble."

"But she’s the opposite," he continued. "The more pressure she faces, the sharper she becomes. I’ve always had a high opinion of students like that."

The smile on Sebastian’s lips deepened. He had originally thought their trip to the imperial city would be unremarkable. Who would have guessed they’d uncover such promising talents?

Miel’s gaze shifted subtly toward Prince Kael, his brows knitting together in thought. "And that Kael Moonstone... he’s even harder to read. Facing Julian and the others, his expression hasn’t changed at all. It’s as if—"

"Don’t overthink it," Sebastian interrupted lightly.

Miel paused, then nodded. "Understood."

Indeed, in situations like this, most people would show at least a flicker of tension or concern. Prince Kael, however, remained completely unfazed.

"The academy heads were already surprised by his arrival," Sebastian added with a faint chuckle. "Naturally, someone like him has his own methods. There are always monstrous geniuses in this world who don’t fit common sense."

On the battlefield, Julian had already charged straight toward Alaric Von Seraph. Ever since their last clash, he had wanted nothing more than to crush Alaric Von Seraph completely. This time, he intended to settle everything once and for all.

Within a few breaths, Zora and the others had all found their respective opponents.

Nathaniel stood directly in front of Zora, hatred etched deeply into his handsome features.

"Zora," he sneered, "we meet again."

She glanced at him indifferently, her tone flat and dismissive. "I have no interest in seeing you."

Nathaniel’s expression stiffened. Every exchange with her left him choking on his own words.

"Master, should we step in?" Black’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Facing trash like this, one slap would be more than enough.

Zora shook her head slightly. "Don’t act rashly. If others notice you, it will only bring trouble."

Black and White were her hidden cards. She wouldn’t reveal them unless absolutely necessary.

Although the situation looked tense, it hadn’t reached a point of no return. Besides, dealing with someone like Nathaniel was hardly a challenge for her.

She had crippled his arm last time.

This time... she would make sure he paid an even heavier price.

Hearing Zora’s words, Black and White could only sigh inwardly. It seemed they wouldn’t be able to show off this time after all.

Shihtzu, however, crouched calmly on Zora’s shoulder, its intelligent eyes flickering with quiet interest. Black and White couldn’t act openly because of their unusual forms, but Shihtzu was different. As her contracted beast, stepping in would raise no suspicions at all.

"Whether you want to see me or not," Nathaniel said coldly, his voice thick with hatred, "you’re dying here today."

His expression was gloomy, stripped of any trace of the infatuation he’d once felt upon first seeing Zora. Reality had taught him a brutal lesson: beauty could be the sharpest blade of all. This woman, before him, was anything but gentle.

Zora rested one hand on her hip, her gaze flicking briefly toward the distant battlefield where Alaric Von Seraph and the others were already fully engaged. A hint of impatience crept into her eyes.

"Nathaniel," she said lazily, her tone dripping with disdain, "if you’re scared to fight, then stand aside. Don’t waste my time talking nonsense. I’m not here to chat with you."

She truly couldn’t understand why Julian had ever bothered dragging such a person along.

Her words struck Nathaniel squarely in the chest. Rage surged through him, and he instinctively glanced at the people around him. Ever since losing an arm, he knew better than anyone that he was no longer Zora’s match.

"I just want you to say a few last words before you die," he snarled, forcing the words through clenched teeth. Then he waved his remaining hand sharply. "Kill her!"

At his command, two mercenaries stepped forward, positioning themselves directly in front of Zora.

Her gaze sharpened. From their auras alone, she instantly judged their cultivation. One was at the mid-stage of the Sky Realm, the other already at the late stage. This Mercenary Group truly lived up to its reputation.

"Zora," Nathaniel sneered, confidence returning to his face, "this time next year will be the anniversary of your death!"

He watched eagerly, convinced she would fall beneath the mercenaries’ blades.

Before Zora could even respond, a soft, almost imperceptible sound cut through the air, followed immediately by the dull thud of something heavy hitting the ground.

Boom.

She turned her head—and saw Nathaniel sprawled lifelessly on the earth, blood slowly seeping from his throat.

He was dead.

"Eh?"