Inside the Council Hall
The voice of one of the soldiers rang through the chamber.
– "Sir! The creature has appeared on the shores of Nevara Beach!"
Chris's expression darkened immediately.
– "Then go! Notify every class at once!"
But the soldier shook his head firmly.
– "They've already been informed, sir."
Chris turned sharply toward Dalia's seat.
– "Headmistress Dalia, you must"
He froze mid-sentence.
Her chair was empty.
Nevara Beach – Kenimar
The air was strangely calm.
Clear skies stretched endlessly overhead, the waves brushed gently against the white sand.
Children laughed, tossing a volleyball through the soft breeze that carried the scent of the sea.
But that peace shattered in an instant.
A dark shape began to rise from beneath the surface—slowly, silently drifting toward the shore.
One by one, people stopped moving, eyes widening as dread crept into their hearts.
They realized, too late, that what they were seeing… wasn't human.
– "Run!" someone screamed.
Chaos erupted.
Cries filled the air as the beach dissolved into panic.
At that very moment, Headmistress Dalia received the report.
In a flash of light, she vanished from her office, using her blink-step ability to jump across distance.
Meanwhile, emergency orders echoed through the academy halls
Classes S and A were mobilized immediately.
Alex, Atsuri, Amani, and Yuya raced toward the coastline, each faster than the wind itself.
Yuya was the first to arrive.
He froze at the sight before him
a nightmarish, female figure standing over the sand.
Her skin was coated in a slick, green carapace, and on her chest was the mark of a black spider.
Her eyes were bottomless and hollow, her pale skin almost corpse-like.
And the worst part…
She was holding a living man
devouring his face with terrifying calm.
Yuya's body trembled.
He summoned his golden armor and massive sword, then lunged forward, slashing twice in rapid succession.
But his strikes did nothing.
Her flesh didn't even flinch.
She looked at him with faint amusement and dropped the corpse from her hand.
– "Well, well," she said, voice dripping with mockery,
"so this is where the humans worth visiting are hiding."
A sudden voice thundered from behind.
– "Yuya! Get back now!"
He turned to see Dalia advancing, her eyes burning with focus.
The creature darted forward, aiming straight for his throat,
but Yuya managed to block just in time.
Dalia grabbed his shoulder and leapt backward with him,
then dashed ahead again her blade igniting in a surge of crimson flame.
With a sweeping strike, her sword tore through the creature's wings, setting them ablaze.
A piercing shriek filled the air.
– "How dare you… you misera!"
Before the beast could finish her curse,
Dalia spun and sliced off both her arms in a single, fluid motion.
Then, driving her blade straight into its chest, she pinned the creature to the ground.
– "You… damn…!" it howled.
Moments later, Alex and Atsuri arrived.
Dalia didn't even turn.
– "No one approaches!" she ordered sharply. "We'll handle this ourselves."
Iris stepped forward, eyes calm but blazing with intent.
– "Headmistress Dalia," she said, "leave this one to me. I'll deal with her."
The Glass Chamber – Hours Later
The creature now lay bound to a metal table inside a sealed glass chamber,
its breathing faint, its eyes burning with silent fury.
Dalia stood silently watching… until Rion entered the room.
– "Has it spoken?" he asked, voice sharp. "Did it mention Valdoris?"
Dalia crossed her arms.
– "No. All it said was that it flew here from the other side… and that its name is Shaltra.
But how could a monster travel that far from there to Kenimar?"
Rion lowered his gaze, thinking deeply.
– "That's impossible… The distance between Kenimar and Valdoris is enormous."
Alex stepped closer, pointing to the black spider mark on Shaltra's chest.
– "Rion, that mark does it have anything to do with the Fros species?"
He shook his head slowly.
– "I'm not sure. Only Starborn Beasts have markings like that.
like Mira… and me.
But mine's different. Because of my mixed blood."
Dalia frowned.
– "Your lineage is rare, Rion two species combined, with a third ability layered on top.
That's what makes you unique.
As for me, I've encountered only two kinds so far:
First, the Plant Beasts humanoid bodies covered in vines, a black rose blooming on their chest.
Second, the Serpent Beasts upper body human, lower body snake, with faces forever frozen in a hungry snarl."
Rion nodded.
– "Yes… I met both types while escaping the city."
Dalia's eyes widened slightly.
– "Escaping? You never told me about that."
Rion's tone grew distant.
– "I don't think I want to talk about it."
And with that, he turned and walked out,
leaving behind a silence so heavy it swallowed the room whole.
Training Yard
Amani was training alone.
Sweat trickled down her temple, her breath uneven and shallow.
Her movements were sharp, disciplined
yet behind her eyes lingered a faint shadow of doubt.
She suddenly stopped and slapped both cheeks with her palms.
– "Come on, Menmen! Wake up! You're not weak you just underestimated your opponent!"
A calm voice came from behind.
– "Amani…"
She froze, spinning around quickly Rion stood a few steps away, watching her with a faint smile.
– "R-Rion! How long have you been there?" she stammered.
He folded his arms lightly.
– "Don't worry. I only heard the word 'Menmen'.
Seems like you like giving yourself nicknames. Should I start calling you that too?"
Her face turned bright red.
– "N-no! Please don't tell anyone!"
Rion chuckled softly as he walked closer.
– "Relax. I'm not the type who leaks secrets."
Amani gripped her spear again, trying to hide her flustered expression.
– "Rion… do you think I'm weak?"
– "Why do you ask?"
– "I want to test myself," she said, a mix of resolve and hesitation in her tone. "How about a little duel between us? Just to see how far I've come."
She raised two fingers playfully.
Rion smiled.
– "Gladly. Though I'm pretty sure you'll win."
– "Don't say that!" she protested. "You're the one who defeated that monster in the city!
I was there… I felt terrified watching you transform."
His smile faded slightly.
– "That's not something I'm proud of, Amani.
When I transform… I lose myself completely. I stop being me."
Her eyes softened, filled with curiosity and sorrow.
– "So it wasn't strength… it was rage?"
– "Maybe. Or something worse."
There was silence for a moment.
Then Amani smiled faintly, her voice trembling.
– "Still… even in that monstrous form, you were beautiful.
There's something about you that feels… safe. Not frightening."
Rion smiled gently.
– "I'm glad you think so."
The air grew quiet again before she spoke, this time more serious.
– "Rion… do you know anything about my past?"
– "All I know is your age."
She lowered her gaze.
– "Then… let me tell you myself."
Her voice wavered as she spoke.
A story of betrayal, loss, and escape from the burning hell of Valdoris into a world that never welcomed her.
Every word was like reopening an old wound.
When she finished, Rion reached out and gently brushed the tears from her cheek.
– "Amani… you're stronger than you realize.
Most people would've lost their humanity after what you endured."
She smiled through her tears.
– "Strong? Maybe… but I'm still scared."
Before he could answer, a bold voice cut through the silence.
– "Knew I'd find you here!"
They both turned
Mai stood at the edge of the yard, walking toward them with confident strides.
She wore a cropped sports jacket that revealed her toned abs,
loose black pants, and running shoes that shimmered faintly in the moonlight.
Her sharp features and short dark hair framed a pair of glowing crimson eyes.
– "So you're Rion, huh?" she said, smirking. "You don't look as strong as they say."
– "He's strong!" Amani shot back. "I've seen it with my own eyes!"
Mai chuckled.
– "Is that so? Guess I'll have to test him myself."
She extended her hand toward him with a playful smile.
– "Nice to meet you."
Rion shook her hand
and felt a surprising firmness in her grip.
– "Your hand's solid… You must train pretty hard."
Mai blinked, flustered, and quickly pulled her hand back, running her fingers through her hair.
– "It's not what you think."
Amani pouted.
– "Rion! You can't just tell a girl her hand's rough!"
He laughed awkwardly.
– "I meant it as a compliment she works hard. That's something to respect."
Mai looked at him with a small, hidden smile.
– "Fair enough… I'll accept your apology.
Oh, and for the record I'm from Class A, not Class S."
Rion raised a brow.
– "Really? That's unexpected. Your energy feels much higher than that."
– "I chose it myself," she said proudly, folding her arms.
Rion grinned.
– "You've got the hands of a real beast. You're strong, Mai."
She laughed.
– "You really don't know how to talk to girls, do you?"
He scratched his head, embarrassed.
– "Yeah… Kairen told me the same thing."
Mai studied him for a moment, her tone softening.
– "Did you… grow up without a family?"
The air turned still.
Rion didn't answer he just looked down quietly.
Mai smiled faintly.
– "Guess you don't like talking about the past. That's fine…
But know this, Rion
You're a stranger to me, yet somehow… you feel familiar."
He looked up, slightly startled.
– "Thanks… that's kind of you to say."
Mai stepped closer, eyes glinting with playful challenge.
– "Then get ready. Next time, I'll fight you myself.
And if your strength impresses me…"
She smirked.
– "I might just fall for you, monster boy."
Rion laughed softly, raising his hands in surrender.
– "I'll take that as a formal invitation, Mai."
– "More like a friendly threat," she said with a teasing grin.
The night ended with shared smiles
smiles that spoke of beginnings,
and of feelings not yet named.
Inside the Headmistress's Office
Dalia Stormcrest sat behind her wide, immaculate desk, quietly filling out stacks of papers. Beside her stood Iris, arms crossed, her gaze carrying a playful, teasing glint.
– "Think he'll barge in screaming again?" Iris asked, tilting her head with a smirk.
Dalia raised an eyebrow slightly, her voice calm and smooth.
– "Was that a question… or an answer, Iris?"
But before she could even finish, the door burst open with a loud bang.
Chris stormed inside, his voice sharp and filled with fury.
– "Dalia Stormcrest! You're in serious trouble this time! Things are getting out of hand you need to take action against these monster attacks right now!"
Silence fell for a few seconds.
Chris stepped closer, his piercing gaze locking onto Dalia's serene eyes.
– "You really think I'll just stand by and watch this happen?" he spat.
Dalia and Iris exchanged a brief glance then both smiled faintly, as if they'd expected this scene.
– "Of course not," they said in unison, tone dripping with calm mockery.
Chris slammed his hand on the desk, placing a stamped document before her.
– "This is an official order," he said coldly. "You are to select ten students for the reconnaissance mission. No more delays. The monster crisis must be contained immediately. Understood?"
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left, slamming the door behind him so hard the windows rattled.
Dalia picked up the document, her expression unreadable. Iris leaned closer, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
– "So? What will you do?"
Dalia sighed softly, her eyes tracing the ink on the page.
– "I'll think about it carefully… This isn't a decision to be taken lightly."
At that moment, the door opened once again.
Toby entered, his expression filled with both curiosity and concern.
– "What's going on? I just saw Chris storming out like a hurricane."
Dalia calmly slipped the paper between other files, her voice smooth as ever.
– "Nothing you need to worry about, Toby. Everything's under control."
Toby frowned.
– "I'm not so sure. Actually, I came here about something important."
He paused, then said gravely, "I spoke with the captured beast. I asked if the monsters in Valdoris were still alive even without humans to feed on."
Iris straightened in surprise.
– "And what did she say?"
Toby's face darkened.
– "She said they're still alive… because they possess the same power we do. But what shocked me most she had no idea what Valdoris even was."
Iris gasped.
– "That's impossible! If that's true, it means the humans there can manipulate mana! But how could she not even know the name of her own country?!"
Dalia stood abruptly, clasping her hands behind her back as she walked toward the window.
– "The strange part isn't what she said," she murmured, "but why she decided to speak now, after refusing all this time."
Toby rubbed his chin.
– "I asked her the same. She said she's dying. Claimed we've kept her from the sunlight that she'll suffocate sooner or later. She hasn't eaten in days… Her body's frail, pale, barely holding on."
A faint smile curved on Dalia's lips, her crimson hair glowing faintly under the moonlight that poured through the window.
– "…Interesting," she whispered. "Things are finally getting exciting. I think I've made my decision."
Toby frowned, uneasy.
– "What do you mean, Lady Dalia?"
She turned slightly, that same half-smile still on her face.
– "You'll find out soon enough, Toby."
The moonlight shimmered against her eyes calm, cunning, and unreadable.
At the Academy Courtyard – Sunset
Under the fading violet glow of dusk, the twin brothers Kim and Ken stood in the academy courtyard, their shadows stretching long across the stone tiles. The dying sunlight painted the world in somber gold.
Kim spoke first, his voice heavy with regret.
– "Brother… I'm sorry. I swear, I didn't know."
Ken's tone was sharp, bitter.
– "Didn't know? No, you just didn't care! You never once came looking for me, never even tried to understand what I was going through!"
Kim took a step forward, his voice trembling but warm.
– "I know I failed you… but we're together again now. Can't we go back to how we used to be?"
Ken let out a short, painful laugh.
– "How we used to be? You were always the strong one, the favorite. Whether I was there or not never mattered."
Kim shook his head, determination burning in his eyes.
– "Don't say that, Ken. You have something I'll never have your insight, your intuition. I've always needed you."
Ken turned away, his voice breaking.
– "Empty words… I'll never reach you."
Then
A metallic crack shattered the air.
The ground quivered beneath them, followed by a horrifying screech from the direction of the containment chamber.
Inside the Sealed Room
Shaltra had freed herself using a shard she had hidden inside her mouth.
She stood up slowly, her eyes glowing with a deep, blood-red light. Hatred dripped from her voice like venom.
– "You'll see… you filthy humans."
With a single strike, she shattered the reinforced glass and leapt from the tower, descending like a meteor toward the courtyard below.
Dust exploded upon impact. The sound rippled through the academy like thunder. Students screamed and scattered.
Kim froze in shock, but Ken lunged forward, shoving his brother out of the way just as the debris crashed down.
Shaltra rose amidst the smoke, towering and radiant with malice. A twisted smile curved on her lips.
– "Hello, my little ones… I do hope you're ready to die."
Kim turned to his brother.
– "Think fast, Ken I'll distract her!"
Ken clenched his fists, panic flickering in his eyes.
– "I... I don't know what to do!"
Kim charged forward, his armor shimmering black with streaks of glowing yellow. Dark-gold energy flared from his hand as he swung.
But Shaltra blocked each strike effortlessly. Her monstrous body absorbed the blows without a flinch.
Ken closed his eyes, trying to focus amidst the chaos.
Then an idea sparked.
He transformed partially armor like his brother's, but his energy burned a deep, fiery orange.
Kim shouted, voice strained.
– "Got a plan yet?!"
Ken gritted his teeth.
– "Not a plan… but I found her weakness! Grab her arm heat it up! I'll freeze it down!"
Their powers intertwined one blazing hot, the other chilling cold.
The contrast surged violently, enveloping Shaltra in a vortex of clashing energy.
She screamed a raw, piercing sound as her body convulsed under the impossible strain.
And then… silence.
Her form collapsed, her mana flickering away like a dying flame.
Moments later, Dalia and Iris arrived with the crowd.
Both women stood still, their expressions unreadable.
Dalia's voice was calm, precise.
– "What happened here? How did you kill her?"
Kim answered between heavy breaths.
– "Ken helped me… we took her down together."
Iris glanced at the shattered ruins, her eyes wide.
– "But… how did she escape the sealed chamber?"
Dalia didn't respond. She only watched the corpse, her gaze cold and calculating.
– "Enough," she said quietly. "Return to your rooms. You've done well."
The twins bowed and left, their silhouettes fading into the twilight.
Once the courtyard emptied, Dalia and Iris exchanged a silent, knowing look.
Dalia's voice lowered to a whisper.
– "If her death was a ruse… then was her story about Valdoris truth or another lie?"
Iris knelt, watching the last traces of mana dissolve into the air.
– "I don't know, Headmistress. But whatever the truth is, the twins obliterated her completely. There's nothing left."
Dalia's lips curved in a faint, chilling smile.
– "Good… Even if the answers remain hidden, the academy has gained something far more valuable an extraordinary pair."
Later that evening.
Rion sat quietly in his room when he heard a soft knock on the door.
He rose slowly, and as he opened it, he found Mira, Kairen, and Misaki standing before him.
Mira smiled gently.
– "Good evening, Rion. How are you? May we come in?"
Rion returned the smile.
– "Of course. Please, come in."
The three girls entered the room.
Mira sat on the bed, Misaki leaned against the wall while sitting on the floor, and Kairen stood by the window.
Rion took his seat at the desk across from them.
Mira glanced around with her soft pink eyes.
– "Are you free tonight?"
Rion raised an eyebrow playfully.
– "I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing… Three girls, one of them my sister, in my room at three in the morning.
I just hope I didn't do something terrible without realizing it."
Kairen chuckled lightly.
– "Relax, nothing bad happened, Rion."
Mira looked at Kairen.
– "Go on, you start."
Rion frowned.
– "Start what, exactly?"
Kairen paused for a moment, then spoke quietly.
– "I want to tell you about my past, Rion… Just listen, okay?"
He nodded calmly.
– "Alright. I'm listening."
Kairen took a deep breath, her voice steady but trembling faintly.
– "When I was little, my mother used to take me to visit my sick father.
He was broken… disappointed that he never had a son to inherit the Sacred Swords.
One day, when I entered his room, he was sitting there, pale and weak.
He said to my mother,
'There's no time left… I'll die without a successor.'
My mother tried to calm him, but despair had already consumed him.
In the end, he made a single decision to pass on his power to me, even though I was not the son he wanted.
He gave me only one sword… the one later known as Shouras.
That's what my mother told me, though its original name was Norven.
They changed it to fit our family name."
She fell silent for a moment, her voice softening.
– "My father carved strange runes into my arm… I screamed from the pain, but he didn't stop until the markings were complete.
The pain was beyond words and ever since that day, those runes have glowed with power.
A power I never asked for… but one that became my fate."
Kairen pulled up her sleeve, revealing the faintly glowing marks on her arm.
The room fell silent.
– "After his death," she continued in a trembling tone,
"I inherited the Sacred Swords of the Shorchi Sho family.
I trained hard and visited my grandfather every month in his cabin deep in the woods.
But one day, when I went to see him… the house was nothing but ashes."
Her voice shook.
– "I ran toward the ruins, terrified and there I saw you, Rion.
You were crying under the rain.
When I asked what happened, you told me you couldn't protect him… that bandits had attacked and killed him while he tried to save you."
Rion lowered his head, his voice trembling.
– "I'm sorry, Kairen… I was useless back then."
Kairen smiled softly.
– "Don't apologize. You couldn't have done anything.
I knew you would've saved him if you could."
She took a small breath before continuing.
– "Since that day, we lived together.
You were kind… you listened, you stayed.
You made me feel like I wasn't alone.
And when you told me the truth that you're a monster
I didn't reject you.
Why would I reject someone who never rejected me?"
Her eyes lifted to his, her tone barely a whisper.
– "We were so close… sometimes even sleeping in the same bed.
You were never evil.
That's when I understood why my grandfather gave his life for you.
I know you see me as your sister, especially after finding your real one… but I.."
She stopped for a moment, her gaze locked with his.
– "I wished you'd see me as more than that… but I understand.
You had your reasons, just as I had mine for holding onto you."
She sighed and smiled sadly.
– "When we took the evaluation tests, I passed thanks to my training, while you—you hid your true strength, just to avoid attention.
You were always so disciplined… waking up early, cleaning the house, cooking breakfast, while I slept in like a mess.
You taught me how to rely on you… and made me realize how much you mean to me."
Rion's voice softened.
– "Kiri… you were never worthless.
Your strength and beauty don't come from depending on anyone.
The reason you rely on me is because of the bond we share even if we're not blood-related, you'll always be precious to me."
Tears filled Kairen's eyes.
– "Precious… only that?
Why didn't you ever tell me before?
Do I even have a chance with you?"
Before the tension could deepen, Mira quickly stepped in.
– "Let's save that question for another time.
It's Misaki's turn now."
Misaki turned her face away, as if fighting off memories she didn't want to remember. Her voice trembled softly when she spoke.
– "My life wasn't a life… it was hell.
I was born in a miserable city called Agas.
My mother was careless, and my father a filthy drunk who only lived for his own desires.
She would go out with men to earn money, while he… he took out his lust on me."
Her voice cracked, anger and pain twisting together.
– "One day, my mother came home wounded screaming at my father to close the doors and windows.
But he didn't move. He was too drunk to even care.
She tried to shut the windows herself… then a bullet hit her chest.
She fell in front of me dead."
She closed her eyes, her tone breaking.
– "I ran into the streets amidst the chaos, searching for a way out.
There were soldiers everywhere, firing in every direction.
One of them saved me he took me to Aethern Port, then went back to fight the monsters so I could escape.
I reached a strange island… and was taken into Heaven Orphanage.
But that place… was another kind of hell."
Her voice hardened with bitterness.
– "I was harassed by men day and night.
I grew to hate them. Their faces, their filthy hands, their disgusting laughter.
And over time, I discovered something inside me… a strange power.
I trained until I could wield a hammer that weighed fifty kilograms.
And when the chance came to enter the Evaluation School, I took it.
But before leaving, I made sure those men paid the price.
I slipped a chemical into their food one that caused unbearable pain for days."
She paused for a moment, her tone quieting.
– "When I arrived at the academy, I was lost. I didn't know where to go.
You were the first to offer me help, Rion…
But I refused.
I refused every man unlucky enough to cross my path.
Yet having Kairen beside you… somehow eased my guard.
So I let you both stay with me."
The room fell silent.
Rion's voice came softly, calm but heavy.
– "Misaki… I understand your pain.
But something I once learned from someone who was like a grandfather to Kairen
Evil isn't born within us.
No one is born good or evil… we're a mix of both.
A vile man may remain vile until the world breaks him
and either he changes, or he dies the same.
But that doesn't mean all men are like the ones who hurt you."
He leaned slightly forward, voice sincere.
– "Tell me, Misaki… has any student in the academy ever tried to touch you inappropriately?"
She shook her head.
– "No… but the men at the Evaluation School did."
"Then you see the difference," Rion said quietly.
– "There are wicked ones, and there are good ones.
We all carry both darkness and light within us…
That's what keeps the world in balance."
Misaki stayed silent, staring at the floor.
His words echoed in her mind.
Kairen smiled faintly.
– "Sometimes you actually speak wisely, Rion. And mean it too."
He smiled slightly in return, and silence fell again.
Mira stood up, stretching.
– "I think that's enough for tonight.
What about you, Rion? Aren't you going to open up to us?"
He gave a small grin.
– "Maybe… but not tonight."
– "As you wish."
Misaki rose, her tone cold.
– "I'll be leaving. Maybe there's some truth in what you said…
But the rest I don't buy it.
Men… they'll never change."
She turned and left, closing the door behind her.
Kairen lay down on the bed beside Mira, hugging a pillow with drowsy eyes.
– "I think I'll sleep here tonight."
Mira giggled softly.
– "Guess that means you're on the floor again, Rion."
Rion chuckled.
– "It's fine. Third time's the charm, right? Sleep well, both of you."
– "Good night," Mira murmured, curling around Kairen from behind.
– "Good night," he replied.
Soon, the room fell into quiet slumber.
Rion lay on the floor, eyes open, a single thought circling in his mind
What does the future hold for me?
✦ The Next Morning
As dawn's first light crept through the windows, every student's device buzzed with a message from Headmistress Dalia:
– "A group of students will soon be chosen to travel to Valdoris.
Prepare yourselves… one of you may be among them."
Rion looked toward the window, watching the last shadows of night fade away.
– "Valdoris… looks like peace won't last for long," he whispered.