As Rion arrived, his eyes met the creature's cold, predatory, and heavy enough to choke the air around him.
Suddenly, a blinding light flashed from above. Alex descended from the sky, shouting
– "Take this, you damn beast!"
She extended her hand forward, gravity bending at her command, crushing down on the monster with an immense force.
But the creature didn't even flinch only smiled, mockingly.
At that moment, Amani rushed forward, shielding Mr. Toby and Miss Manata, while Atsuri leaped from behind, slashing with Vyzon Blade to keep the monster away.
Yet despite their combined attacks, the creature stood calmly, eyes glinting with a twisted amusement.
Then, in one swift motion, it crouched and launched itself skyward, piercing through Alex's gravitational field as if it were nothing.
– "Well then…"
– "Hello."
It appeared before her in the air, grinning wickedly before striking her with a devastating blow that sent her crashing into a stone wall.
– "Aleeeex!!"
Atsuri shouted, soaring after her with a gust of wind, catching her before she could fall.
The monster landed softly on the ground, bowed mockingly, and said with a smirk
– "Greetings, humans. The name's Dafron… A pleasure to meet you."
Rion and Atsuri exchanged a tense glance.
– "Rio… we need to retreat," Atsuri muttered. "We can't take him right now."
But before they could move, Mira appeared—with Kairen, Misaki, Touka, and Ken at her side.
Amani, fueled by stubborn courage, lunged forward and struck Dafron with her spear.
He didn't budge.
– "Get away from him, you idiot!" Atsuri yelled but it was too late.
Dafron caught Amani's arm, laughing maniacally.
– "Perfect… my meal will be a young girl tonight."
Rion burst forward, striking Dafron hard enough to break his grip.
Amani stumbled back, trembling in pain.
– "Good job, Rio," Atsuri said with relief though his thoughts betrayed him.
(Can he really fight him…?)
Dafron's figure blurred as he lunged like a storm, his blows violent and unrelenting.
Rion blocked as best he could but one hit tore through his guard.
Dafron's claw sliced his arm, and his fist punched straight through Rion's torso.
– "Damn it… he killed a student right in front of us!" Toby shouted helplessly.
– "Rioooon!!" Mira screamed.
Dafron pulled his hand free and kicked Rion's body aside, sending him crashing into the rubble.
– "Now then," Dafron said coldly, "let's have some fun.
I didn't expect to find a Frokan here."
Amani froze in horror.
(I attacked him with everything I had… and he didn't even flinch. He killed Rion… right before my eyes.)
Then a sudden pressure surged from the debris.
The air trembled. Everyone struggled to breathe.
Dust erupted, and from within the ruins emerged a silver-skinned being muscular, with wolf-like legs, eyes like a predator, and a cruel, fanged grin.
A glowing skull symbol burned upon his left shoulder.
– "T-That's not a monster…" Toby whispered. "That's a demon."
– "Is that… Rion?" Mira gasped.
– "I've never seen him like this before…" Kairen muttered in disbelief.
– "I feel like I'm staring into hell itself…" Ken said in a trembling voice.
Touka, calm but shaken, thought
(So this is… a full transformation of a Frokan.)
Dafron smirked.
– "Seems killing you won't be that easy… Frokan."
Inside the Council Hall
Headmistress Dalia sat upon her wide chair, her voice calm yet commanding.
She wore a long beige coat reaching mid-calf, its black trims adding an air of elegance and authority. A black belt clasped at her waist, from which a silver insignia gleamed faintly.
Beneath it, she wore a high-collared black shirt and crisp white pants lined with fine black stripes. Her long boots reached just below her knees, and sleek black gloves covered her hands.
A sudden tremor rippled through her an unseen surge of energy.
Her eyes narrowed.
– "Headmistress Dalia," one of the council members, Mr. Jister, stood.
– "Kenimar's stability is collapsing. I strongly suggest focusing our efforts on liberating Valdoris. Its recovery could save the entire island."
Dalia answered softly but firmly:
– "Mr. Jister, I'm aware of the situation. But I won't force any student to risk their lives. Those who fight, fight by choice. I will not send anyone to die for a cause they don't believe in."
– "This is not a game!" Jister slammed the table. "You know well why this academy exists on this island. Those unwilling to risk are worthless here!"
But that energy within Dalia pulsed again, stronger.
She rose quietly and walked to the window, her gaze distant and uneasy.
– "Headmistress Dalia!" Jister barked. "You're ignoring a formal meeting!"
She turned back to him with a composed smile and sat down once more.
– "Apologies. I just… felt something strange."
Jister frowned, then continued, but Dalia's mind had drifted far away.
Her eyes shimmered faintly with worry as she stared toward the horizon.
(May the fates protect you all… I can feel it something terrible is happening out there.)
(Rion… I'm counting on you.)
Battlefield
Dafron lunged first, roaring violently.
But this time, Rion didn't even flinch. He met every blow with ease each strike echoing like thunder.
Then, with one powerful punch, Rion sent Dafron flying backward.
– "Tch… guess I'll need some help," Dafron growled.
From his back, a dark, viscous fluid oozed out, shaping into tall, faceless creatures each with wide grins and glowing eyes.
– "Attack, my minions!"
Rion roared.
A deep, primal sound shook the battlefield enough to make the ground quake.
Then, in a flash of silver light, he dashed forward slashing through every creature in an instant.
– "That speed… impossible!" someone gasped.
The battle turned chaotic each clash between Rion and Dafron creating shockwaves that split stone and shattered the earth.
(I can't win…) Dafron thought in terror.
(He's a monster… A true Frokan!)
From afar, Manata and Toby watched in disbelief.
– "What's happening, Mr. Toby?!" she cried.
– "It's Rion," Toby whispered, his voice trembling.
– "He's fighting like one of them."
Then Rion raised his hands energy swirling between them in a storm of blue and gold.
– "Is that… real?" Manata gasped. "That's… null energy," she whispered. "That's impossible!"
Rion unleashed the sphere.
It floated slowly at first so slow Dafron laughed.
– "That's it? That's your full power?"
Then the orb touched him and reality folded.
The energy pierced through his body like light through glass then collapsed inward.
Dafron's body shattered into nothing but fragments of ash and smoke.
Silence.
Everyone stood frozen as Rion's breath grew shallow.
His body slowly returned to human form… before collapsing among the ruins.
When Rion finally opened his eyes, the world around him felt heavy like sleep itself had wrapped its chains around his body.
He groaned softly, lifting his head. Beside him, Mira had fallen asleep on the desk, her head resting on her folded arms.
Nearby, Trangen dozed off in a chair beside the bed, her head tilted to one side.
Then, the door creaked open.
Touka stepped inside, carrying a tray of breakfast. Her lips curved into a gentle smile the moment she met his eyes.
– "Finally awake, huh? You've been out for quite some time, Rion."
Rion sighed and struggled to sit up.
– "How long… was I unconscious?"
Touka's tone turned firm but warm.
– "Two full days. Mira and Kairen were terrified you stopped breathing for a moment.
But I knew you wouldn't die that easily."
At the sound of his voice, Trangen's eyes flew open. Tears welled up instantly as she rushed toward him, throwing her arms around his chest.
– "Rion… you're alive! I can't believe it! You're really awake!"
Her cry woke Mira, who blinked a few times before recognizing him.
A smile broke across her tear-streaked face.
– "Welcome back, brother… good morning."
Rion smiled faintly.
– "Morning, sis."
But before he could say more, Mira leapt from her seat and hugged him tightly, crying even harder.
– "Don't ever do that again! I thought I'd lost you for good!"
Rion chuckled softly, patting her shoulder.
– "Alright, alright… enough tears."
– "No!"
Both girls shouted at once, their voices trembling but full of relief.
Touka sighed and placed the tray on the table.
– "Eat first. Then head to the faculty room someone wants to see you."
She left the room quietly.
Later, Rion entered the faculty room.
Miss Manata sat behind a desk, reading. She looked up and smiled lightly.
– "So you're finally awake… sit down. The Headmistress will be here soon."
Her voice lowered.
– "I still can't believe what you did back there…"
Rion frowned slightly as he sat across from her.
– "What do you mean?"
Closing her book, Manata gazed at him, her expression somewhere between awe and disbelief.
– "I never thought I'd see that kind of power in my lifetime.
But… it seems you don't even know what you've done."
Moments later, the door opened.
Headmistress Dalia entered followed by a tall, elegant man with a sharp, commanding presence.
His build was sculpted and lean, his shoulders broad, waist narrow, giving him a sharp V-shaped frame.
He wore a dark coat lined in crimson, over a black vest and white shirt, tied neatly with a deep maroon cravat.
Ivory-striped pants and polished black shoes completed his refined look.
Atop his head rested a tall black hat, and beneath it, light violet hair framed his composed face.
His orange eyes gleamed with cold intellect.
In his right hand, he carried an elegant cane, resting it on the floor with deliberate grace.
Dalia took her seat. The man sat opposite Rion.
– "Rion," Dalia began in her formal tone,
– "though that creature took many lives, you prevented the disaster from spreading.
However, the Council considers what happened a serious threat. They sent a direct order… but I managed to stall them for now."
She gestured toward the man beside her.
– "Allow me to introduce Mr. Pier Hasbon a faculty member and council representative."
Pier inclined his head slightly.
– "A pleasure to finally meet you, Rion."
– "An honor, sir," Rion replied respectfully.
He turned toward Dalia, his brows furrowed.
– "Why am I here exactly?"
– "Because," Dalia said calmly, "Mr. Pier wishes to test your strength… personally."
Pier chuckled softly.
– "As the Headmistress said. I hope our match will be… entertaining."
Rion's eyes widened.
– "A match?! Why should I fight?"
Dalia exhaled quietly.
– "Because you used a power no, a technique that even the greatest mana users cannot perform."
Rion lowered his gaze, voice dark and bitter.
– "So everyone knows now… that I'm a monster."
Suddenly, Manata slammed her hands on the desk and stood up.
– "It's not about being a monster!"
Silence fell.
Even Dalia, Pier, and Rion stared at her in surprise.
Manata blinked rapidly, realizing what she'd done.
– "I...I'm sorry, Headmistress."
– "It's fine," Dalia replied coolly.
Pier rose smoothly, adjusting his coat, his lips curling into a confident smile.
– "I'll see you in the arena, Rion."
He left with composed, echoing steps.
Dalia turned her gaze back to Rion, her tone calm but edged with warning.
– "The reason Manata reacted that way… is because she recognized what you unleashed.
The Null Energy a sphere of pure mana, blending blue and gold.
Even the strongest sorcerers can't summon it."
Rion's eyes widened.
– "I… don't remember doing that."
Dalia's smile turned faintly mysterious.
– "You will. In time.
For now, prepare yourself.
When you face Pier… fight with everything you have. No hesitation. Understood?"
Rion stood slowly, nodding once.
– "Understood… Headmistress."
The cafeteria buzzed with chatter and the clatter of plates.
Amid the noise, Alex sat quietly, sipping a strawberry smoothie.
Her gaze was distant, fixed on the window, until Amani appeared walking toward her with calm grace.
She wore a dark blouse under a long beige cardigan, and slim blue jeans that hugged her ankles.
In her hand was a cup of orange juice.
Amani sat down in front of Alex with a friendly smile.
– "Hey, Alex. How are you today?"
Alex replied in a flat tone, her eyes barely shifting.
– "Fine… I guess."
Amani raised an eyebrow.
– "You look troubled."
Alex sighed softly, her voice lowering.
– "I just… never imagined that Rion was a monster."
Amani set her cup down, her expression tightening.
– "What shocked me more is that I used my full power on that thing and it didn't even flinch."
At that moment, Atsuri joined them, carrying a tray of food.
– "I didn't expect to face something that strong either," he said, taking a seat.
Alex took another sip, her voice laced with frustration and unease.
– "But what really gets me… is that Rion's stronger than me."
Just then, Yuya approached confidently, holding a burger, fries, and a soda.
He was tall and muscular, his green eyes gleaming with energy.
Wearing a black open-zip hoodie over a plain white T-shirt and loose black cargo pants, he looked effortlessly casual.
– "Yo! What's up, everyone?" he greeted with a grin.
Alex glanced at him sharply.
– "I don't get how you keep that body with all the junk you eat."
Yuya laughed, flexing his arm with pride.
– "Muscles just come to me, sweetheart."
Amani muttered coldly,
– "Muscles without brains."
Yuya pointed at her dramatically.
– "I heard that, Amani! Doesn't matter beautiful or not, you're still mean!"
Amani snorted, raising her cup.
– "Who said I care what you think?"
Everyone burst into laughter.
But amid the noise, Alex stayed silent, her eyes drifting down to her drink.
(Rion… what's going to happen to you…?)
Arena of Trial — Rion vs. Pier
A short while later, three council members entered the grand arena to observe the upcoming duel.
The air crackled with mana and tension.
Rion stood in the center of the ring, facing Pier Hasbon, who stood with elegant composure, leaning on his black cane.
From the platform above, Headmistress Dalia raised her hand.
– "Begin the match!"
In a flash, Rion charged forward only for his arm to halt mid-swing, frozen as if caught in an invisible web.
He struggled, but the transparent threads wrapped tighter around him.
Pier's lips curled into a calm, confident smile.
– "Welcome to my web. I've scattered mana spheres across the arena since the start… escaping won't be easy."
With a flick of his wrist, Pier lifted the threads, suspending Rion in midair.
– "See? I've already won before the battle even began."
Rion closed his eyes for a moment, his thoughts whispering in silence.
(Why did Dalia want me to fight with all my strength? Wouldn't losing prove I'm not dangerous…?)
Pier circled him with mockery.
– "Don't worry. I could tear you apart right now… but I won't."
Rion's eyes opened sharp and resolute.
(Alright then… as you wish, Dalia.)
Mana surged violently within him.
His aura ignited in a fierce light, his silver hair rising as energy rippled from his body.
With a single motion, he slashed through the web and crashed down to the ground, landing like a predator unleashed.
Pier's smirk faltered.
He summoned new threads, but they shattered the instant they touched Rion's blazing aura.
– "What… impossible!"
Rion lunged forward, his fist glowing as he struck Pier with explosive force, sending him crashing to the floor.
Pier rose, fury burning in his eyes, his body now enveloped in crimson mana armor streaked with violet lines.
He raised his cane, releasing a barrage of sharp mana spheres but Rion deflected them effortlessly with one sweeping motion.
Their clash filled the arena with thunderous impacts and blinding sparks.
Rion's breathing grew heavier, his power fading as exhaustion took hold.
Finally, Pier lifted his hand, voice echoing through the arena.
– "That's enough… this will do."
Rion stopped, panting deeply, sweat glistening under the flickering lights.
From the stands, Dalia watched silently her eyes unreadable, her presence cold.
Then, without a word, she turned and left the hall.
As her footsteps faded, the crowd's gaze remained locked on Rion.
He stood there, trembling yet unbroken once again proving that he was no ordinary student.
After treatment, Rion returned to his room only to find Mira, Kairen, and Misaki waiting at the door.
– "Brother! Are you okay?!" Mira exclaimed as she threw herself into his arms.
– "I'm fine… don't worry. I'm not dying today."
– "Don't say things like that, you idiot!" Mira shouted, her voice trembling with emotion.
Kairen smiled softly.
– "Relax, Rion. We just came to keep you company for a while."
Rion let out a faint sigh and nodded.
– "Alright then… come in."
They all sat together, and after a brief silence, Kairen spoke up:
– "How about we play Shadow Cards?"
– "Shadow Cards?" Mira blinked in confusion.
Rion smiled faintly.
– "I'll explain the rules. It's pretty simple each player has four moves, four fighter cards, four spell cards, and four creature cards."
Mira tilted her head.
– "Still not following."
Taking a calm breath, Rion continued,
– "The fighters are: the Sorcerer, the Warrior, the Defender, and the Assassin.
And the spell cards are: Shield, Sword, Staff, and Katana.
The goal is to match the right spell with the right fighter."
Misaki jumped in, eyes sparkling.
– "That's right! And each player must have four different fighters. Any duplicate card is automatically discarded."
– "So basically, I have to build my own team?" Mira asked, intrigued.
Rion chuckled and nodded.
– "Exactly. At the start, each player draws four face-down cards. You can look at only one of them.
Then you have four possible actions each turn:
1. Draw a new card, swap it with one from your hand, and discard the old one.
2. Take a card from the ground and exchange it with one of yours.
3. Peek at one of your own cards.
4. Peek at one of another player's cards.
Of course, no one knows which card you draw."
Mira leaned forward, her eyes curious.
– "How do we count the strength?"
Rion answered,
– "Each fighter has ten base power points. Spell cards add between five and ten points.
Every card also has an element Water, Fire, Air, or Earth.
A fighter without a spell only keeps five points of power, but with the right spell, they can reach ten.
Then there are the special cards—two Light cards and two Dark ones.
If a fighter gets one of those, their total becomes twenty!"
Mira smiled brightly.
– "Then why call it Shadow Cards? It sounds more like Magic Cards."
Rion laughed.
– "We called it Shadow because you never really know what's in your own hand."
He paused, then added with a nostalgic grin,
– "Oh, right… there are also four Goblin cards two small and two large.
If you draw one, it's immediately removed from your team."
–"Once your moves are done and you're confident in your hand," he continued, "you stop drawing.
The others can continue. Then everyone reveals their cards and the strongest team wins."
Mira grinned.
– "Alright then, let me try! If I mess up, teach me."
Rion nodded.
– "Deal."
They began the first round, laughter soon filling the room.
Mira won on her second try, while Misaki lost again, her face turning red.
– "Why do I always lose?!" she pouted.
Rion chuckled.
– "Nice job, Mira. You're learning fast."
They kept playing late into the night.
Eventually, Kairen fell asleep on the bed, while Mira continued gleefully until she could barely keep her eyes open.
Misaki stretched, yawning.
– "You know… at first, I was afraid of you, Rion. Mostly because you're a guy.
But now… you don't seem as bad as the others I've met. Anyway, I'm heading to my room."
Rion smiled faintly.
– "Alright. See you tomorrow."
– "Good night," she said softly, waving as she closed the door behind her.
Rion sat quietly for a moment, glancing at the two girls asleep.
A gentle smile crossed his lips.
– "Well… looks like I'm sleeping on the floor again."
He spread a simple blanket on the ground, laid down, and whispered,
– "Good night…"
Then closed his eyes, drifting into peaceful sleep.
The Next Morning…
Inside the Headmistress's office, Chris Fine Caster, the Council President, sat across from Dalia.
He wore a dark, formal uniform radiating authority—its high collar lined with faint silver embroidery.
His build was solid, his expression sharp, and his eyes unwavering.
– "Well then, Dalia," he said sternly, "since Pier confirmed that Rion poses no immediate threat, we'll let this one slide."
Dalia exhaled, visibly relieved.
– "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Chris."
But before she could say more, the door burst open a guard rushed in, panting heavily.
– "Sir! Madam! We have an emergency!"
Chris's voice boomed like thunder.
– "How dare you barge in like that?! What is it?!"
The guard swallowed hard.
– "There's been a report… of a monster sighted near Nevara Beach!"
The room froze.
Dalia and Chris exchanged shocked glances.
Chris muttered in disbelief,
– "No… not again?!"