The floating dueling ring slowly dissolved, its glowing blue edge fading into transparent dust as Instructor Veylan dismissed the arena with a wave of his hand.
Class Zero was quiet.
Not because they were confused.
But because they were watching Hades Draker—and processing exactly what they'd seen.
He hadn't just won that spar.
He'd performed.
He made it look easy.
He made it look fun.
And worse—for those who took everything seriously—he made it look natural.
Instructor Veylan didn't comment on the match. He simply nodded once, as if mentally filing the performance into a folder labeled "Problematic, but Useful."
"Enough solo showboating," he said dryly. "Class Zero is not about individuals. It's about application across multiple fields. Starting today, you will form temporary combat teams."
Several students straightened.
"You will work in assigned squads of four. Objectives will vary—from mana relay maneuvers to artificial enemy suppression. I will not tolerate ego or deadweight."
Then, without pause, the room shimmered—new glyphs illuminating on the floor.
Squad Pairings Appeared Mid-Air:
🔹 Team A: Hades Draker, Kaela Valenne, Mirth Ainsworth, Selwyn Elore
🔹 Team B: Renis Cartaine, Tova Brax, Ina Mereel, Jerald Vyn
🔹 Team C: Rina Dusk, Tyven Gray, Calla Tren, Bryne Zail
Hades raised a brow, reading the names.
"Ooh. Mixed group. Balanced by skill? Personality? Hair color?"
Kaela gave him a look.
"You'd complain no matter who you got."
"I don't complain," Hades said, straightening his cuffs. "I comment. Artistically."
The four members of Team A gathered near one of the training portals, waiting for their simulation room to open.
Mirth, the quiet and brilliant tactician from the outer territories, adjusted his glasses nervously. His mana signature was subtle, yet refined.
Selwyn Elore, the tall, stoic enchantment specialist with wind affinity, stood stiffly, arms folded.
Kaela, of course, stood casually with one hand on her hip, eyes watching everything.
And Hades?
He was sitting on a conjured floating cushion, one leg up, spinning a small mana disc in his fingers.
"I like this team," he said. "Strong girl, calm guy, overthinker… and me. We've got a good breakfast lineup here."
Selwyn frowned slightly. "What does that even mean?"
"I'm the croissant," Hades said. "Sharp edges, soft center, very French. Mirth's the tea. Kaela's the protein. You? You're the toast—looks dry, but surprises people."
Kaela pinched the bridge of her nose. "Please stop talking."
"No promises."
[System Notification]
Squad Sync Initiated
Training Room: Tactical Relay #3
P_REX Simulation Mode: Active
Team Composition: Balanced
Mission Objective: Capture and Hold Core Point
Reward Tier: Variable Based on Team Performance
Seraphim Core Status: Sync at 48%
The portal activated.
Bright blue light flashed—and they were dropped into a replica canyon battlefield surrounded by tall cliffs, with broken siege gear scattered across the terrain. Floating mana pylons pulsed near the center, glowing brighter as they hummed with unstable magical energy.
The instructions appeared midair:
Mission Start:
• Objective: Secure the center mana pylon and maintain control for 5 minutes
• Bonus: Minimal damage taken, clean tactical coordination
• Enemy AI Level: Intermediate Assault Golems
Kaela stepped forward instantly. "I'll anchor left. Mirth, call field commands."
"On it," Mirth said quietly.
Selwyn nodded. "I'll boost your field with wind barriers."
Hades?
He held up a hand.
"Quick suggestion. Let me go in first and draw all the attention."
Kaela blinked. "Why would we—?"
"Because no one ignores the loudest guy in the room."
Before they could argue, Hades vanished.
With a single Flash Step, he reappeared twenty meters down the canyon, sliding across broken terrain like a shadow in the wind. Golem eyes turned, red lights locking onto him.
And Hades grinned.
"Hello, metal friends. Who wants a hug?"
He snapped his fingers.
A small flare seal activated, launching a burst of light that blinded half the enemy AIs.
As they surged forward, he dropped into a low stance, Seraphim pulsing at his core.
His hands moved faster than the eye could track—two precise strikes on their exposed runes, a spin-kick into a frontal chassis, then a leaping vault over one golem's shoulder to slam its mana link offline.
All while humming.
Loudly.
Back at the team's location, Mirth blinked. "…He's really doing it."
Kaela groaned. "Fine. Move! Follow his madness."
The team advanced, taking advantage of the chaos Hades created.
Kaela moved with perfect form—one blade, two strikes, one shield bash. Selwyn layered air shields around the team as Mirth called timings to flank remaining golems.
In under a minute, the center was theirs.
Hades, panting just slightly, stood on top of a downed golem, pointing at the control crystal like a king claiming his throne.
"Call me Emperor Cringe," he said, raising an imaginary crown. "I accept tribute in applause and snacks."
Kaela smacked the back of his head as she passed. "Good job, idiot."
"You mean 'brilliant idiot.'"
Mirth gave him a quiet thumbs-up. Even Selwyn cracked a ghost of a smile.
[System Update]
Team Score: High
Objective Secured: ✅
Damage Taken: Minimal
Team Coordination: Excellent
Bonus Unlocked: +2 Stat Points Shared Among Team
Individual Reward:
+80 EXP
+1 Agility
Skill Progress: Flash Step (Lv. 2)
Seraphim Sync: 49%
Back in the real-world training room, Instructor Veylan didn't comment immediately.
He simply looked at the team's data panel.
Then at Hades.
Then, to the rest of Class Zero, he announced:
"Team A set the new benchmark. Next teams: Beat it, or get outdone."
Renis growled quietly from his seat.
Kaela folded her arms, smug.
And Hades?
He leaned back and gave his best dramatic bow.
"Thank you, thank you. I accept no responsibility for what just happened. It was probably luck. And good hair."
Later, as they walked down the corridor toward the dorm wing, Kaela glanced over at him.
"…You're insane."
"I'm interesting."
"You're exhausting."
"And unforgettable."
She paused.
Then smirked. "You're not wrong."
He grinned and turned to Mirth. "So, strategist. What's the official team review?"
Mirth adjusted his glasses. "Tactically reckless. Efficient. Weirdly effective."
"I'll take it," Hades said. "Now, who's ready for dinner and dramatic monologues?"