The S-class classroom was filled with tension and quiet whispers as the students settled into their seats. Among them, all eyes were inevitably drawn to the two youngest prodigies—Kaelen Caelthron and Selianne Thalorie. At only eight, soon to turn nine, they had already displayed abilities that outshone even some of the older students. Their presence radiated an aura of promise, one that made the others wary, curious, and perhaps even envious.
The sound of sharp boots striking against the polished floor silenced the chatter. A woman stepped into the room.
Her presence alone was commanding. She wore a crisp black military uniform adorned with silver insignias and delicate flower-shaped emblems. A polished cap rested over her snow-white hair, tied neatly into a bun at the back. The long coat of her uniform swayed with authority, its sharp lines and decorations signifying both discipline and experience. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the room, as though seeing through every student in an instant.
Kaelen instinctively activated his All-Seeing Eye: Chrono-Dissector. His vision revealed a pulsing aura surrounding the woman—immense, refined, and almost oppressive. His eyes widened slightly. An Enlightened Human... a higher evolution of mankind. He quickly deactivated the skill, careful not to draw attention.
The woman stepped forward and spoke in a clear, commanding voice:"My name is Mirelle Astoria. I will be your instructor for S-Class. You stand here today because you are the best among your peers—the ones who carry potential beyond the ordinary. But remember this: S-Class is not a privilege, it is a burden. The Empire invests in you because it expects greatness. Do not disappoint."
The weight of her words hung in the air. None dared to respond.
"First," she continued, "introductions. Starting with the front row. Name, family, and background if you wish."
The students began introducing themselves one by one.
"Kaelen Caelthron."
"Selianne Thalorie."
"Lyra Caelthron."
"Allaric Caelthron."
"Mira Velthorne."
"Darius Fenwick."
"Clara Nivelle."
"Renald Korrin."
One after another, the names of twenty-five students filled the room. Almost all were of noble birth, each carrying pride in their family names. Only Selianne stood apart—her voice steady yet quiet when she revealed her fallen lineage. A few students muttered, but Mirelle's piercing gaze silenced any ridicule before it could be spoken aloud.
Once the introductions were finished, Mirelle gave her next command:"You will form groups of four. These groups will remain with you for the year. You will train together, fight together, and complete missions together. Choose wisely."
Immediately, students began to gather, some vying to join the most talented individuals. Several tried to approach Kaelen, but he politely declined each time.
"I'll stay with my family," he said simply.
The Caelthron siblings formed their trio but still lacked a fourth. Lyra noticed Selianne sitting quietly, slightly apart from the others. She approached her with a warm smile.
"Selianne, would you like to join us?" Lyra asked softly.
Selianne's emerald eyes lit up. For someone who had always been alone, being asked to join so directly filled her chest with warmth. "Yes! I'd like that very much."
And so, the group was set: Kaelen, Lyra, Allaric, and Selianne.
Mirelle noted their decision with a faint smirk of approval before addressing the rest.
Other groups quickly formed as well:
Mira Velthorne, Clara Nivelle, Darius Fenwick, Renald Korrin
Alarion Drevas, Liora Esmere, Caelric Veyne, Thorne Wystan
Iria Luthren, Cassian Deymar, Halric Vos, Sylra Tenebrin
Elandor Kraine, Marissa Orvelle, Torren Duskvale, Faelith Nyris
With groups settled, Mirelle explained their purpose.
"These groups will not be temporary. You will operate together until the end of the year. Missions will be given to you—some within the academy, some outside of it. You may be tasked with slaying monsters, exploring neighboring regions, or even negotiating with other races. Learn to trust each other, or you will not survive."
The rest of the day was spent in class. Mirelle delivered a lecture that was less about memorization and more about survival.
History: The rise of the Eastern Empire
Geography: The neighboring regions
Monsters & Entities: Common beasts,spirits, lesser demons.
By the time class ended, students felt as though their minds had been battered by storms of knowledge.
That evening, the Caelthron siblings walked home. Kaelen excused himself partway, saying he needed fresh air. On the way to the training grounds, he crossed paths with his mother.
"Kaelen," she said with a gentle smile, "how was your first day?"
"It was... intense. But good," he replied. After a pause, he added, "I met someone—Selianne Thalorie. She's joined our group."
His mother's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she let out a knowing grin. "Oh? A girl, hmm? My son is already making friends... or perhaps something more?"
Kaelen's cheeks flushed slightly, but he quickly turned away. "Mother, it's not like that. She's just... a good person."
"Mm-hmm," his mother teased, clearly unconvinced.
After bidding her goodnight, Kaelen continued toward the training ground, his true intent hidden beneath his calm demeanor.
Standing alone beneath the moonlit sky, he closed his eyes and whispered.
"Founder... can you hear me?"
For a moment, silence. Then, a voice echoed deep within his soul.
"I am at your command."
Kaelen's eyes opened, determination burning within them. Tonight, he would test Annihilarch, Founder, and reach toward his next goal—acquiring the Unique Skill: Degenerate.The true path to his power was only just beginning