Within the halls of Academia Arcanum, rumors clung stubbornly to Serena's name like a curse.
Though she had survived accusation after accusation, one fact never changed—whenever a demon appeared, she was there. Too often. Too perfectly timed.
"She is the nexus of the shadows…""Perhaps she truly is the summoner…"
Such whispers gnawed at the trust and faith of those around her, eroding them piece by piece.
Schemes in the Dark
Deep within an underground chamber of the city, Irena Valkyria stood amidst swirling black fumes that coiled around a crystalline core.
Before her loomed a hooded figure of the Umbra Covenant."This time, I will grant you what you desire—a true demon from the otherworld."
His voice carried like a curse.
Irena traced the crystal with her fingertip, emerald eyes gleaming."When it rampages through the academy… and Serena happens to appear there once again, she will have no escape. No excuses left."
A Night of Calamity
The midnight silence shattered. The enchanted forest beside the academy trembled as a monstrous roar split the heavens.
Black smoke churned upward, veiling the moon. From it emerged a towering Flame Shadow Demon—over ten meters tall, its body forged of searing darkness, wailing with the voices of countless souls.
Its single step cracked the earth, toppling trees like twigs.
Students rushed from the dormitories, panic breaking like a storm."A demon! Another demon!""It's massive… bigger than all the others before!"
Accusations Amidst Chaos
As teachers and students scrambled to muster their defenses, Irena's cry rang out like a blade.
"Look there! Again—it's her, Serena! Every time a demon appears, she's always there!"
Voices rose in fearful agreement."She arrived just moments after!""Could she have been summoning it all along?"
Fear and mistrust became weapons sharper than steel.
The Warrior Without a Spirit
Under the weight of accusing stares, Serena did not retreat.
She stepped forward, azure eyes burning with resolve."Call me what you will… but the demon stands before us! I will not allow it to harm anyone!"
Gripping her blade, she charged the colossal beast.
Black fire lashed out, but her silver steel cut through with defiant brilliance. Though she wielded no spirit, her will forged a radiance that rivaled one.
The clash resounded. Flame burst apart. Yet the force flung her to the ground, blood trickling from her lips.
Some students faltered, stunned."She's… truly fighting it.""Even without a spirit… she still stands."
A Battle of Desperation
The demon roared again, swinging its blazing arm toward the cluster of students behind. Screams split the night.
Serena hurled herself forward, blade flashing. The torrent of fire shattered under her strike, though her own flesh seared, skin blistering beneath the heat.
Her heart screamed within her chest:"I will not… let anyone suffer because of the hatred aimed at me!"
A Hidden Miracle
The beast loomed closer, its aura of darkness ready to engulf all—
When suddenly, ancient sigils beneath the forest floor blazed with radiant blue!
The forgotten seal roared to life. Brilliant chains of light surged upward, binding the fiery shadow. It writhed, shrieking, before being dragged back into the void. The explosion shook the academy to its core.
Shock rippled across the survivors."The ancient seal… again?""Is this a miracle? The blessing of the star-gods?"
The headmaster's voice thundered above the clamor:"This is not the work of any student! Do not slander without proof!"
Faith in Ruin
Though the demon was gone, distrust lingered. Eyes remained fixed on Serena—some doubtful, some fearful, some quietly condemning.
Lucius arrived late, his gaze meeting hers. Within those eyes wavered a storm—torn between faith and suspicion.
Serena gripped her sword until her palm bled."I fought to protect them… and yet all I receive is fear."
A Shadow's Vow
That night, Kyren Adelric stood atop the highest tower, face bathed in moonlight. His pale-blue eyes gleamed with quiet, unyielding resolve.
"You are despised… but as long as I remain, you will not be devoured by the shadows again. Not as before."
The Valkyria's Smile
In her private chamber, Irena faced her mirror. A cruel smile curved her lips, tinged with spite.
"Foiled again… and yet, don't you see? The more you are saved by these so-called 'miracles,' the more people will believe something is wrong with you."
Her soft laugh flickered like flame consuming dry wood."One day, the faith they cling to will crumble into dust… and that will be your end, Serena."
Closing Scene
Darkness lay heavy upon the academy.
One girl fought with blood and fire, enduring even as her body broke.Another spun lies into daggers, savoring every wound she carved.And one man lingered in the shadows—vowing silently to shield her, no matter how the world turned against her.