"Don't worry."
Ihan soothed the basilisk egg.
At the comforting voice of its reliable owner, the egg's trembling stopped.
"Objectively speaking, you're still weaker than a wyvern. If they had to choose, they'll pay more attention to the wyvern."
- ...the egg made another wary sound.
"Wodanaz. Take these flags."
Professor Thunderstride set two banners onto the wyvern's back.
One was the standard embroidered with Einlogard's emblem; the other showed the Empire's crest with a sword painted over it.
Ihan tilted his head in confusion.
"The Einlogard banner shows you're from Einlogard, but... what is this one for?"
"In the Emperor's name — it means we're carrying out imperial business."
"I see. But why is there a sword painted on it?"
"It means if anyone blocks our way, we'll deal with them immediately."
"... Are you joking?"
"I'm not joking."
Professor Thunderstride answered as if the question itself were absurd.
It was easy to forget while inside the academy, but mages were elite personnel, and Einlogard's mages were the most important among them.
Since they couldn't know what danger might spring up outside, it was only natural to warn people with flags first.
Get too close and we'll attack at once!
Professor Voladi nodded in agreement.
"If enemies approach, attack at once."
"... Does that include me?" Ihan asked.
"Yes."