"GRAAAAHHH!!"
Slash—
"The number of monsters has decreased! Everyone, keep holding your positions!" Ragna shouted.
Thanks to the professors' swift response, the number of monsters was significantly reduced. Of course, the students also contributed—even though most of them had almost no experience fighting monsters, they still stepped forward. Above all, the greatest contribution came from the Dean himself. True to his title as an Eighth Circle Mage, he effortlessly cut down countless monsters with overwhelming magic. However, because there were so many people around him, he couldn't use wide-area attack spells.
"GRAAAHH—!!"
Slash—
Naturally, I also helped, but I didn't kill too many. This was a prologue in the game—meant to introduce the battle system and mark the beginning of the protagonists' heroic journey. Monsters of this level could easily be defeated by them, unless a major variable appeared.
After some time—
Shingg—!
"Hahh… Hahh… Looks like this is the last one," Leon said.
After about thirty minutes of fighting, all enemies were finally defeated, and the Spiral closed. Everyone was exhausted—especially the students, since this was their first real combat experience. Still, everything ended safely.
"If anyone is injured, tell me. I'll heal you," Narea said.
Fortunately, just like in the scenario, there were no casualties—only minor injuries.
"It's over," Narea said.
"Thank you."
So that was the last of it.
"Hm, are you injured as well?"
Ah, she noticed my gaze.
"No, I'm not injured."
"…I see."
Narea turned her gaze forward, and I followed. A brief silence fell before she spoke again.
"You seem calm."
"…What do you mean?"
"I mean, you're very calm—as if you already knew there would be an attack today."
I didn't expect her to be this perceptive.
"Not really. I was surprised too."
"Is that so?"
She turned and looked straight into my eyes. I met her gaze—bright aqua eyes that perfectly matched her long, pale silver hair tinged with light blue. At a glance, her expression looked gentle, yet somehow her stare felt as if it could pierce straight through my thoughts. I quickly looked away and spoke.
"Before entering the academy, I was an adventurer. I've faced situations like this before… though this one was worse."
"…I see."
"…Yeah."
Narea also looked away. The courtyard—once beautiful—was now in ruins due to the monster attack. During the battle earlier, I had felt someone watching me. Following that sensation, I saw someone hiding behind a tree. Whether it was because of the shadows or something else, their figure looked dark. They turned away and disappeared into the darkness.
….
"Everyone, due to the sudden incident that occurred today, the entrance ceremony will be concluded early. It's unfortunate, but since many of you are injured, it's best that you rest."
"Oh, and there will be no changes to tomorrow's schedule. You are still required to attend your first day. That's all—you may return to your respective dormitories."
After Ragna's announcement, I immediately left. I saw Eli waiting for me outside the gate.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Eli."
"It's fine. I just arrived as well."
"Then let's head back."
"Yes."
We chatted lightly while enjoying the pleasant evening breeze. Before I knew it, I had arrived at the dormitory. Inside, the main characters had already gathered in the common room.
"Ah, welcome."
I nodded in response to Leon's greeting.
"What were you talking about?" I asked.
"We were just discussing what happened earlier. Hey, what do you think?"
"…What do I think?"
"Yeah. Spirals are unpredictable phenomena, but I never imagined one would appear at the academy."
"I agree. This incident is too strange," Riana added.
"What part do you find strange?" Leon asked.
"The location, of course. Spirals appear unpredictably, like the one that occurred last time."
Riana turned to Issac.
"The Eclipse Tragedy."
"In the Northern territory. That Spiral was possibly the worst one ever recorded."
When Riana said that, all eyes turned to Issac.
"That attack seemed to deliberately target Duke Northern's territory—the strongest family in the Empire."
"Even though the Empire still has the World Pillars and the Sword Grandmaster, once Duke Northern was crippled, who do you think could act most easily?"
"The Demon Race," I answered.
Everyone turned toward me.
"The Northern Family isn't only known as a noble house—they're also known as Demon Slayers."
"They're the most skilled when it comes to dealing with demons."
Everyone—especially Issac—looked shocked.
"H-how do you know that?"
"Before coming here, I was an adventurer. And just like merchants, information is a weapon for adventurers."
"..."
It was natural for them to be surprised. That information was extremely confidential—only high-ranking families knew it. And in the future, the one who would inherit the Demon Slayer trait was Issac himself.
"I didn't expect you to know that as well," Tania said.
"The situation was truly dire. Even the Grandmaster stepped in."
"But while the Grandmaster was on his way, that phenomenon occurred…"
Issac suddenly began trembling.
"A black mass appeared, covering the sun—and at the same time, a colossal magical presence was felt across the entire world."
"According to the Magic Tower's observations, that black mass wasn't an eclipse. It wasn't mana, nor was it magical energy."
"Then what was it?" Leon asked.
"...No one knows."
A heavy silence filled the room.
….
After that suffocating silence, we finally decided to return to our respective rooms. I sat on a chair near the window, staring outside. The night was calm—but my mind wasn't.
I never expected even the Magic Tower wouldn't know.
"Status."
Status Screen
Name: Shion
Level: 190
MP: Unknown
Strength: SS+
Agility: SS+
Stamina: SS+
Intelligence: S+
Luck: S
Skills:
Mana Manifestation (A)
Super Accuracy (S)
Eclipse Dominion (Unknown)
Blink Rush (A)
Weapon Mastery (B)
Combat Instinct (A)
Items:
Crossveil (S) – Pistol
Black Crescent (S) – Sword
The phenomenon Riana mentioned earlier was actually my doing. Even I didn't understand the true nature of that power—but one thing was certain: it was extremely dangerous. At the time, I only wanted to test it… I never imagined it would be this severe.
Good thing the Northern Family kept their promise.
Knowing that no one realized it was my doing, I felt relieved.
Then—
TokTok
"May I come in?"
"Who is it?"
"Tania."
Ah, I almost forgot—I still needed to talk to her.
"Come in."
"Excuse me."
The door opened, revealing Tania. She had dark crimson hair and golden eyes—but what stood out the most were her reptilian pupils.
As soon as she entered, Tania bowed deeply.
"I offer my respects to my benefactor."
"..."
Damn, this is awkward.
….
The next day—
The first class was finally about to begin. I woke up early, went through my routine, showered, and headed to the academy. The path was already crowded—everyone eagerly anticipating their first class. As I walked toward my classroom, I recalled my conversation with Tania.
I told her to keep my identity secret while I was here. I also wanted to ask her not to get involved with me—but I couldn't. The reason she called me her benefactor was simple.
I had saved her life once.
I was really about to die back then.
I truly was. If help had arrived even one second later, I would have died. Lost in thought, I realized I had already arrived in front of the classroom.
Haaah…
I took a deep breath, then opened the door.
Many students had already arrived. There were 25 students in the class, and almost all seats were taken. Fortunately, one seat remained—by the window. I quickly headed there.
Looks like I'm lucky.
Well, with my Luck stat at Rank S, that made sense.
Then the door opened again, and Luminelle entered gracefully. She scanned the room for an empty seat—only to freeze when she realized the only one left was next to me.
…Seriously?
The door opened once more. A rugged-looking man entered—it was Ragna.
"All students, please take your seats."
"Hm? Cadet Luminelle?"
Luminelle was still frozen, not even hearing him.
"Cadet Luminelle."
"Y-yes?"
She snapped out of it and turned—only to realize Ragna was right behind her.
"Please sit down. There's one seat left over there."
Ragna pointed to the seat beside me.
"Y-yes!!!"
Luminelle hurried over, her face bright red.
Is she really that shy?
She sat down beside me, and an awkward silence followed—until Ragna spoke.
"Nice to meet you, new students. I'm Ragna Holt. You likely already know who I am. I'll be your instructor for Class S this year, so I hope we can get along."
ClapClap
"Though I say that, don't expect this class to be easy. With me as your instructor, I'll be stricter than ever."
Gulp—
Several students swallowed nervously.
"Before we continue, I want each of you to come forward and introduce yourselves."
"First—Leon. Step forward."
"Yes."
Leon stood and walked to the front.
"Nice to meet you all. My name is Leon von Aurelion."
"Some of you may already know me. I am the Fourth Prince of the Empire. That said, I hope we can all be friends."
ClapClap
Hoho, just as expected from our kind-hearted protagonist.
"Good. Next—Tania."
"Yes."
Tania stepped forward.
"Nice to meet everyone. My name is Tania Crimson."
"As you can see, I am of the Dragon Race. I enjoy cooking and training. Regardless of my race, I hope we can be good friends."
Applause followed once more.
"Alright, next—"
The introductions continued. Then it was Luminelle's turn.
"My name is Astra Luminelle. Please call me Elle. My goal here is to become strong enough to fight on my own—without needing protection. And what I like is… um…"
Hm? Did she just glance at me?
"I like practicing magic! Yes, that's all. Please take care of me!"
She hurried back to her seat, her face red like a tomato. Some boys were clearly captivated by her cuteness. When she sat down, I extended my hand.
"Let's get along, Elle."
!!
She flinched, stared at my hand in embarrassment, then slowly took it with a trembling grip.
"Y-y-yes… P-please take care of me!!"
Is she malfunctioning? She kind of feels like a robot.
"Next—the last student. Please come forward."
"Yes."
It was my turn. I walked to the front calmly, feeling everyone's attention on me.
"Nice to meet you all."
"My name is Shion. I don't have a family name."
"What I like is relaxing."
"And I came to this academy for only one reason."
"To become stronger than anyone else."
Silence followed my words—until laughter erupted.
"HAHAHAHA!!"
The one laughing was Roland.
"Sorry, that was hilarious. A commoner who doesn't know his place—dreaming of becoming the strongest? Don't make me laugh!"
He boldly said that right in front of Ragna. Normally, Ragna would immediately punish him for discrimination—but for some reason, he remained silent.
Maybe he wants to see how I react as the only commoner in this class.
Others joined in laughing.
"Yeah, he doesn't know his place."
"Disgusting."
I looked at them and spoke.
"Heh. For people defeated by a commoner, your barking sure is loud."
I provoked them—and just as expected, they got angry.
"What did you say, bastard?!"
"How dare you!!"
"Why? Isn't it the truth?"
"Or are you so desperate that you can't see the obvious reality right in front of you?"
"Damn you!" Roland shouted.
"That's enough," Ragna said.
Suddenly, an overwhelming pressure filled the room. Everyone bowed their heads in fear—and I pretended to do the same.
"You have all violated the rules. Since this is the first day, I'll be lenient. But if this happens again, punishment will follow. Understood?"
"Yes, Instructor."
"And Cadet Shion—you shouldn't provoke them either."
"I apologize, Instructor."
I feigned remorse.
"Very well. Return to your seat."
"Yes."
When I sat down, Luminelle looked worried.
"U-um… are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"N-no, I mean… are you sure it's okay to provoke them? They might not let it go."
"It's fine. Thank you for worrying about me."
"N-no, it's nothing!!"
"Alright. Next, I'll explain the academy's learning system."
"The academy uses several types of exams: combat exams, group exams, midterms, and final exams."
"Combat exams do not affect grades or rankings—they're purely for evaluating combat ability. These are held once every two weeks."
"For the group exam, you'll undergo a survival test in a location chosen by the academy. This will take place three months from now. Groups will be assigned next week. This exam will affect your grades and rankings, so choose teammates you truly trust."
"The last two exams will determine your rankings as well. I'll explain their formats when the time approaches."
"That's all for today. Classes will begin tomorrow. Before we dismiss—any questions?"
Silence.
"Very well. Class dismissed."
Class ended. I was about to stand and head to the cafeteria when—
"U-um, Shi-Shion!"
Hm?
"Yes, Elle?"
"W-would you like to go to the cafeteria with me?"
"Hah?"