Just as Akio and Hikari turned to leave, Mr. Isakawa's voice stopped them.
"Before you go—there are two things you must understand."
The room quieted instantly.
"First," he continued, eyes sharp, "every student in this academy is capable of reaching Moon Level."
A ripple of shock spread through the class.
"What that means," Isakawa explained, "is simple. No one here is weak. Every student enrolled has the potential to destroy a moon if left unchecked. That is why we limit classes to four students—to simplify command, control, and survival."
He adjusted his glasses.
"The students who lost today were not failures. They have been transferred to other Hero Association Academies."
He paused.
"Second—be careful when you are outside academy grounds. You may encounter semi-grade vampires or devils. If you do…"
His voice hardened.
"…kill them with pride. Protect the civilians."
Silence.
"That's all for today. Return by 2:30 PM. An alarm has been installed on the left wrist of your uniforms."
Akio and Hikari nodded in sync.
"Okay," Akio said calmly.
"We're off," Hikari added.
Outside the Academy
As they walked through the massive gates, the city of Sallensberg stretched before them—stone roads, iron railings, and faint magical circuits embedded into the streets.
Hikari slowed her pace.
"…I'm sorry about earlier," she said quietly. "I should've realized what we both went through. It was childish of me to act like that."
Akio glanced at her, then shrugged lightly.
"It's alright."
She looked relieved.
After a moment, Akio spoke again.
"Wanna grab a bite?"
Hikari nodded quickly. "Yes."
As they walked, Akio's gaze sharpened.
"There's something I've been wanting to ask you."
"What is it?"
"Who governs Sallensberg?"
Hikari hesitated.
"I heard a rumor… that it's the older brother of Principal Henry Douglas."
Akio raised an eyebrow.
"Name?"
"Julius Martin Douglas."
They were almost at the restaurant when the air suddenly shifted.
A twisted figure stepped into their path—its presence warped the atmosphere, its eyes burning with hunger.
Akio stopped.
"…Do you think this is it?" he asked calmly. "The semi-grade thing?"
Hikari nodded slowly.
Akio closed his eyes.
For a brief moment—nothing.
Then his eyes snapped open.
"…I just sensed its power level," he said quietly. "City-block class. If unleashed, it could destroy the city."
Hikari frowned.
"You might be wrong," she said, then corrected herself. "And right. But Julius built this city with strange materials. It's unlikely this… puny thing could do real damage."
Akio smirked.
"Still."
He raised his hand.
"Dismantle."
The creature screamed as its leg twisted unnaturally, collapsing it into the stone street.
Akio stepped closer, voice cold.
"Where did you come from?"
The creature tried to crawl away.
"Dismantle."
Both arms twisted violently.
"Where," Akio repeated, eyes glowing faintly, "did you come from?"
The creature shrieked in agony, voice breaking.
"F-from… the Eclipse Vanguard…"
Akio froze.
"…What?"
The creature laughed weakly through its pain.
"Where the… ruler of all evil… reigns…"
The air went still.
Hikari stared at Akio.
And somewhere far beyond Sallensberg—
something had just noticed hi