《Dark age》 The beginning after the end Long ago, two thousand years in the past, a war broke out that became etched into the annals of history. This was a war where all the kingdoms of the world united against a single kingdom, infamous for its tyranny and might. Known as the "Blood War," it painted the streets, rivers, cities, and even the seas red with the blood of countless fallen. After a long and brutal struggle, the allied kingdoms emerged victorious. To preserve the world¡¯s peace, five kingdoms were established as the "Five Great Kingdoms." These were: Anastasia, Elvan, Ugrulia, Great Nest, and Varsian. Shinta is the ultimate power of the world. Upon birth, every individual is granted a random ability drawn from the essence of Shinta. They have the opportunity to join academies to become warriors serving their kingdom. Through dedication and strength, they can climb the ranks to become one of the elite High Warriors¡ªor surpass all others to claim the title of Sacred warrior. Seven-year-old twin brothers, Sai and Leo, sit together, deep in conversation. Leo: Damn it, how can he mock us just because we don¡¯t have much money? Sai: He says we¡¯re weak. Leo: He has no right to say that. Sai: Why can¡¯t discrimination just disappear? Leo: Why don¡¯t we make it disappear ourselves? Sai: How? Leo: If one of us becomes the Sacred Warrior, we¡¯ll be the strongest. Everyone will admire us, and we¡¯ll use that position to end discrimination. Sai: But people like us¡ªpoor¡ª Leo: Shut up! Even if we¡¯re villagers or weak, nothing is impossible. We can do it, Sai! Sai (smiling): You¡¯re right. 7:00 AM The alarm rings. Sai: Leo... Leo... LEO!!! Leo slowly opens his eyes. Leo: Yeah, yeah, what do you want, Sai? Sai: Wake up, you idiot! It¡¯s seven in the morning. We have to go to school! Leo: Fine, just get out of my room. Leo gets up and prepares himself. After breakfast, they leave for school. Sai: Leo. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Leo: What? Sai: Once we¡¯re tested, do you think we¡¯ll be accepted into an academy? Leo: Of course. All those months of training won¡¯t go to waste. Don¡¯t be scared. Sai: You¡¯re right. Fear kills the fun. Leo (smiling): Let¡¯s keep moving. Sai: Got it. When they arrive at school, they meet their friend. Sai: There¡¯s Kaino! Kaino, how are you? Kaino: Oh, Sai and Leo! I¡¯m good. Leo: You¡¯re taking the academy test too, right? Kaino: Of course. Life¡¯s boring without a bit of excitement. The three of them pick up their test cards. Leo: Kaino, see you in a month at the test. Kaino: Yeah, see you there! Kaino heads home, but Leo and Sai decide to stop at the bookstore first. Leo: Hello, sir. We¡¯re here to buy some books for the Shinta Academy written test. Shopkeeper: Sure. Ten gold coins and twenty silver for each, or fifty gold and one hundred silver for the whole set. Leo: I know. Just give me the books. Sai: Don¡¯t be so rude, Leo. Leo: Whatever. After that day, Leo and Sai began studying and training diligently, preparing for the academy test scheduled for two months later. Days flew by as they worked tirelessly, and finally, the awaited day arrived¡ªthe test day. Sai: So, it¡¯s finally here. Leo: No time to waste. Let¡¯s get there quickly. Sai: Do you think we¡¯ll fail? Leo: Absolutely not. On their way, Leo speaks up. You know our parents only want us to join the academy and succeed for the money. Sai: I know that. Leo: And you¡¯re okay with it? Sai: It¡¯ll help me achieve my goal. Leo: I¡¯m strong enough. I don¡¯t need anyone to help me achieve mine. Sai: You don¡¯t know what we¡¯ll learn at the academy. Leo: Beginner stuff, probably. Sai: Yeah... Upon arriving at the testing site: Sai: So, this is the place for the test... The academy director steps forward and begins speaking. Director: Welcome to the Academy Entrance Test. Today, we will evaluate your abilities to see what you¡¯re truly capable of. In five minutes, we will begin calling your names. Leo: Sai, do you really think the test will be difficult? Sai: It¡¯s possible. After five minutes... Director: Alright, everyone, let¡¯s begin! Time passes as names are called. Eventually, it¡¯s Leo¡¯s turn. Director: Leo Vitalite, please step forward. Leo walks confidently towards the testing room, his determination evident as he enters. While the director Yarasou and Naero observe Leo¡¯s performance, tension fills the air. Naero: Director Yarasou¡­ Director Yarasou: Yes? Naero: Do you see the aura surrounding that boy? Director Yarasou: Of course. His potential is exceptional. I doubt he even needs to be tested. Leo, my boy, demonstrate your skill on this training dummy. Leo: Understood. Leo pulls out his wooden sword, gripping it with confidence. Leo: Director, how many strikes am I allowed? Director Yarasou: Three strikes. Leo (thinking): That should be more than enough. With speed and precision, Leo charges at the dummy, landing three rapid strikes. At first, nothing seems to happen. Director Yarasou (thinking): Perhaps we overestimated hi¡ª Suddenly, the dummy collapses to the ground, completely destroyed. Director Yarasou (thinking): He obliterated it in just three hits! No one has ever managed that before. And it didn¡¯t even fall instantly; the delay was caused by the shock reverberating through it. What a remarkable young man... Director Yarasou: Well done, Leo. You may leave now. Leo: Alright. Leo (thinking): This is supposed to be a test? Really? Are you kidding me? This isn¡¯t a children¡¯s game¡­ The testing continues, and soon it¡¯s time for the written exam. Leo: What are these questions? Seriously? I¡¯m doomed¡­ Finally, the results are about to be announced. Sai: Leo, the results will be displayed in a minute. Leo: Yeah, I know. Sai: What rank do you think you¡¯ll get? Leo: First. Sai: Even on the written test? Leo: Shut up¡­ Sai chuckles softly. Sai: Look, the results are showing. Leo: Yeah¡­ The announcer''s voice fills the room as everyone looks up at the results screen. Announcer: The top three rankings in the practical exam are as follows! Announcer: First place: Kinto Shinga! Second place: Leo Vitalite! Third place: Sai Vitalite! Announcer: The top three rankings in the written exam are as follows! Announcer: First place: Sai Vitalite! Second place: Kinto Shinga! Third place: Mary Litary! Sai turns to Leo with a wide smile. Sai: You got second place, Leo! Congratulations! Leo (with a hint of gloom): Second¡­? How did I end up second¡­ I was supposed to be first. And in the written exam¡­ 53rd place?! Sai: It¡¯s alright! At least you passed. Leo (sighing): I guess¡­ The announcer interrupts their conversation with an unexpected announcement. Announcer: Attention, everyone! There is something none of you were aware of until now. The top three winners will be advancing to the Shinta Global Academy! Limitless Academy! Leo¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief. Leo: What?! Shinta producer Upon landing, the teacher langst greets them. Langst: Welcome, I am Langst, your teacher and guide for today. All of them: Nice to meet you. Langst: Follow me. They follow Langst. Langst: Since you¡¯re not in your best condition, stop here and head inside. He opens the door for them to enter. Mary: I think you need a bath, Sai, you¡¯re covered in blood... Sai: You¡¯re right. After bathing. Servant: We¡¯ve prepared food for you while you were bathing. All of them: Thank you! After finishing the meal Servant: This way, please. They leave to find Langst again. Langst: Now I¡¯ll take you to the Hall of talk. Leo: Hall of talk? What¡¯s that? Langst: You¡¯ll see. They follow Langst to the Hall of talk. Sai: Kinto, you haven¡¯t spoken to us since we arrived. Kinto: Don¡¯t think crossing the forest together makes us friends. I could never befriend poor and middle-class people like you. Sai: Oh... Leo: Too bad I can¡¯t kill you here, poison factory. Kinto: What did you say¡ª Langst: We¡¯ve arrived. Please keep quiet. Langst opens the door, and the four of them enter. Mary: Wow, this place is truly beautiful. Sai: I agree. Kinto goes to sit alone. Sai: So, Mary, does staying with us mean you¡¯re our friend now? Mary: Yes, I¡¯ll be your friend... Sai smiles, and the three of them sit at a table. Someone called karoun begins to speak on the stage. Karoun: Welcome, our twenty students for this year. I¡¯m Karoun, the academy¡¯s official spokesperson. I¡¯ve been appointed today to explain the system of Limitless Academy, so let¡¯s begin. 1. Your classes will run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Fridays off. 2. The academic year is eight months long, followed by a four-month break. 3. There are three stages in the academy. 4. The academy will provide your food, drinks, clothing, equipment, and more. 5. Accommodations will be shared, with two people per room assigned randomly. 6. There will be missions supervised by one of the academy¡¯s mission leaders from time to time. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. 7. A fitness trainer is available at the academy to help you lose weight and build muscles. These are all the details you need to know. Now, we¡¯ll move on to the classification stage. A device emerges from the ground. Karoun: Standing here, this device will reveal a person¡¯s Shinta level, helping us classify you. You¡¯ll also need to input the information it requests. Now, please come up one at a time. They begin to step up one by one until it¡¯s Leo¡¯s turn. He steps onto the device. Leo (thinking): It¡¯s asking for my name, age, and ability. Alright. The device determines Leo¡¯s Shinta level. Karoun: Alright, you may step down. Leo steps down from the stage, and the rankings are displayed. Karoun: Now, we¡¯ll show you all your rankings. The rankings appear, and the four of them are shocked to find themselves at the bottom 20th place: mary litari 19th place: Sai Vitalite 18th place: Kinto Shinga 17th place: Leo Vitalite Karoun: There are two classes: Class A and Class B. Those ranked 1st to 10th are in Class A, while those ranked 11th to 20th are in Class B. When you advance to the second year, the rankings will be recalculated to balance the classes'' strength. Two people start whispering. Person 1: Isn¡¯t that Mary Elf? And yet, she¡¯s the weakest here. The others start commenting about Mary¡¯s weakness and laughing. Leo: You fools think you can mock her like that?! Sai: Leo, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s allowed to do that here. Leo: And is it allowed to be racist to someone?! Mary: Leo, it¡¯s okay... Leo: Of course, it¡¯s no¡ª Karoun: Silence, please. I thought it was obvious, but it seems I need to clarify. Racism is strictly prohibited in the academy. Now you may leave. You¡¯ll find a board showing your rooms and roommates. I wish you all three happy years. Everyone leaves the Hall of Discussions. Sai: Let¡¯s go check our rooms. Leo: I¡¯m sorry; I was about to start a fight back there. Mary: It¡¯s okay. Leo (to himself): I can¡¯t protect her anyway since I¡¯m a joke compared to them. At the board, the three see their rooms. Mary: So, none of you are with me. Sai: And we¡¯re not together either. Leo: See you tomorrow. Leo reaches his room. Leo: Room 12, huh? He knocks on the door. Person: Come in. Leo opens the door and sees his roommate. Leo: You must be my roommate. Person: Yes. Leo: I¡¯m Leo Vitalite. Person: Even though we saw our names on the board, you still introduce yourself. I¡¯m Beatrix Linlin. Nice to meet you. Leo: Nice to meet you too. Leo lies on his bed. Beatrix: I¡¯ve never heard of someone who controls darkness before. Leo: It¡¯s a natural element. You control a natural element too¡ªair. Beatrix: Doesn¡¯t darkness symbolize evil? Leo: In children¡¯s stories, yes. Beatrix laughs, and Leo falls asleep. 6:00 AM Beatrix: Leo, wake up. Leo: Alright... Leo gets up to prepare for the first lecture. Beatrix: Come on, we shouldn¡¯t be late. The two head to class and meet Sai on their way. Leo: That¡¯s Sai. Sai! Beatrix (thinking): I¡¯ve never seen him smile like that; they must be close. Sai: Leo! Who¡¯s this? Leo: She¡¯s my roommate. Beatrix: Hi, I¡¯m Beatrix Linlin. Sai: I¡¯m Sai Vitalite. Nice to meet you. This is my roommate. Sai¡¯s roommate: Hello, I¡¯m Karez Lavalik. Nice to meet you both. Leo: Alright, let¡¯s head to class. They enter the classroom and see Mary seated. Sai: Mary! How are you? Mary: Oh, Sai. I¡¯m fine. What about you all? Sai: We¡¯re doing well. Is this your roommate? Mary: Oh, him... Yes. Mary¡¯s roommate: So, you¡¯re friends with this elf? No wonder you¡¯re at the bottom, too. Leo (thinking): Even when he¡¯s ranked last, he¡¯s still racist...Damn. Langst enters the classroom. Langst: Welcome to your first lecture. I¡¯m Langst. Student: A lecture? Shouldn¡¯t we be introducing ourselves and the professor first? Langst: Not in my class. Now, everyone take a seat. Beatrix: Seriously, a lecture already... Langst: For your first lesson, we¡¯ll talk about the shinta producer. Student: producer? Langst: You¡¯ll understand soon enough. Shinta is a power linked to the brain. It flows from there. We know the brain is divided into three parts: the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. Each has its own functions. However, as biology advanced, scientists discovered a tiny fourth section between the cerebellum and brainstem during autopsies. At first, its function was unknown, as it ceases activity the moment a person dies, leaving no trace to understand its purpose. But later, a scientist placed sensors near this fourth section on a living person and discovered that only the Shinta sensor detected activity there. Mary: Doesn¡¯t that mean this section is the source of Shinta? Langst: Exactly. After some experiments, the scientist confirmed that this section¡¯s sole function is to emit Shinta. It was given a very simple name: the shinta producer. Karez: What would happen if this section were removed? Langst: No one knows. Such an experiment has never been attempted. After the lesson, the students leave the classroom. Sai: Leo, beginner-level stuff, right? Leo: Shut up... Stranger: Oh, you¡¯re Sai, right? Sai: Yes, Sai Vitalite. Stranger: I¡¯m Breka Dolman from Class B. Nice to meet you. Sai: Nice to meet you, too. Breka: Can we be friends? Sai: Of course. At the end of the week, Leo, Sai and Mary go to the training building. Leo: The best part of the day is here... Sai: I agree... Langst enters the building to find the three training. Langst: You''re here every day. Leo: Better than doing nothing. Mary: Of course.. Mary''s roommate, kyotai enters the building. Kyotai: Hey, teacher. Langst: Yes, kyotai? Kyotai: I request a fight between me and him. He points at Leo. Langst: What kind of fight? Kyotai: Whoever knocks the other to the ground for a long time wins. Langst: Very well, that''s allowed. Leo: You''re the one who bullied Mary. Kyotai: So what? Langst: Alright, take your positions, I''ll count to three. One.....Tow....Three--begin! Leo rushes at Kyotai, trying to take him down by grabbing his neck with one hand and his leg with the other. But kyotai locks Leo''s hand with his own, then delivers a powerful kick that knocks Leo the ground. Leo gets up and charges, aiming to punch kyotai in the chest. however, kyotai dodges the attack, capitalizes on the opening, forces Leo''s head down, And strikes him hard on the back, sending Leo crashing to the ground, defeated. Leo (thinking): that was way too fast... Kyotai: do you know why I challenged you? Because i was bored. But you didn''t even entertain me a little. Sai: Leo! Sai runs to check on Leo as Mary stands nearby, sad and blaming herself Kyotai: Weaklings. Kyotai Leavs the building. Mary steps forward. Leo: Mary. Mary: Yes? Leo: I''m sorry i couldn''t beat him. Mary: No, I''m the one who''s sorry. This happened because of me. Sai: neither of you is at fault. Let''s just leave. As they prepare to leave, kinto approaches Leo Kinto: Let me take a look. Kinto examines the areas where Leo was hit and finds swelling on his back. He takes out a bottle containing a green liquid, then tilts Leo''s head back and pours some of the liquid into his mouth. Kinto: You''ll feel better soon. Kinto leaves the building. ten seconds later, the swelling disappeares. Leo: I really do feel better. Mary: What''s going through kinto''s mind? Leo (sarcastically): I have no idea, and i don''t wanna know. Sai: He seems like a nice guy after all. Mary (sarcastically): I doubt that. Leo: Me too Langst: Don''t let this loss bring you down, Leo. Think about becoming stronger than him. Leo: Alright... Sai: Anyway, we should get going. Leo: I''m heading to the bathroom, so go on ahead. Sai: Alright. Come on, Mary. The three Leave the building, and Leo walks alone. Leo: Me.....Strong?....How ridiculous.......I''m....Weak...... Leo is feeling the bitterness of defeat for the first time. The Daimas The Next Day: The First Lecture of the Week Begins Langst: Today''s lesson is very important. Last time, we discussed Shinta and learned that it flows from a part of the brain called the Shinta Source. Today, we¡¯ll talk about the classifications of Shinta. Kinto: Classifications of Shinta? I thought it was just random powers you¡¯re born with. Langst: Shinta is something we cannot fully understand or predict. Let¡¯s begin. Shinta is divided into two types: Shinja and Shingen. Shinja refers to the random abilities a person is born with, like Karez''s magnetic power. Shingen, on the other hand, is an auxiliary power. Leo: Auxiliary power? Langst: Yes, it helps in battles but cannot win battles on its own. It¡¯s acquired through training or battles. Of course, battles are the quickest way to develop Shingen, but they are also the riskiest. Shingen is divided into three main categories: First - Offensive Shingen: This involves sudden bursts of speed that exceed the user¡¯s normal speed, making it useful for surprise attacks. Second - Defensive Shingen: When activated, it creates a shield that protects the user from physical or ability-based attacks. You can even control where the shield appears. Sai (thinking): This sounds very useful. Third - Control Shingen: This allows you to manipulate objects around you, such as making a rock float. But it doesn''t end there. These three categories branch out into even more types of Shingen, and if you are strong enough, you can create your own unique Shingen. Beatrix and Leo (thinking): This is truly amazing! Langst: However, you must choose the Shingen you want before attempting to activate it. It¡¯s not random like Shinja. The students excitedly head to the training building to try activating their Shingen. They begin practicing daily. A week later, only Sai, Leo, and Mary have yet to succeed. Sai: Looks like it''s just us now. Leo: Yeah. Mary: It¡¯s not like we¡¯re going to give up. Sai concentrates, attempting to activate his Shingen. Sai: Shingen! A shield appears in front of him, and he finally succeeds in activating his Shingen. Mary: You did it! Leo, meanwhile, focuses deeply, disconnecting from the outside world. Leo (thinking): Something¡¯s missing... a missing piece. Suddenly, Leo finds himself in a dark place with only one person in front of him¡ªa figure identical to himself. Leo: Who are you? And where am I? The figure: This is your mind, and I am you. Leo: What do you want... me? Leo¡¯s Mind: You want to activate Shingen, but you can¡¯t. Leo: Yeah? Leo¡¯s Mind: Have you wondered why? Leo: I¡¯ve wondered, but I thought I just needed more time to master it. Leo¡¯s Mind: You¡¯re wrong. Even if you tried for a thousand years, you wouldn¡¯t master it. Because you¡¯re afraid. Leo: Afraid? Leo¡¯s Mind: Afraid of losing again. Since your defeat, you¡¯ve become so hesitant. You constantly see yourself as less than others. You say you¡¯ll get better and stronger, but your fear holds you back. Leo: That¡¯s... Leo¡¯s Mind: Do you understand now? You¡¯ll never move forward if you remain scared, hesitant, or regretful. Either overcome your fear or stay its prisoner forever. Leo¡¯s focus returns to reality. Leo (thinking): I¡¯ve been ignoring this truth ever since my defeat against Kyotai. But for how long? It¡¯s now or never. Leo: Shingen! Leo suddenly dashes at an incredible speed toward the dummy, destroying it with a single blow. Leo: I did it! A Month After Leo Joined the Limitless Academy During training time Mary: Sai, don¡¯t you think Leo trains too much? Sai: Yeah, he really does train a lot. Mary: Why does he train like that? Sai: He seems very excited. Beatrix: Catch! She throws a water bottle to Leo. Leo: Thanks. Beatrix: Shouldn''t you rest a little? Leo: I¡¯m not done yet. Beatrix: Training maniac. Leo: Better than wasting time on trivial things. Beatrix: True. After finishing his training, Leo says I¡¯m leaving now. Beatrix: Where to? Leo: The first garden. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Leo and Sai head to the first garden to have some fun. Sai: This place is really beautiful. Leo: Agreed. Sai: Should we get some ice cream? Leo: okay, why not. At the ice cream shop, Leo and Sai stand in line to order, then sit at a table with their ice cream. While they eat, Langst arrives with some news. Langst: There you are. I¡¯ve got news for you. We have a mission. Leo: What kind of mission? Langst: Follow me, and you¡¯ll find out. They follow him to the academy entrance, where the other students are already gathered. Sai: Everyone¡¯s here. Langst: There¡¯s a Daimas we need to investigate near the kingdom¡¯s border. Karez: So we need to eliminate the Daimas? Langst: Exactly. Leo: So, it¡¯s just a reconnaissance mission? Langst: Yes. Kinto (thinking): Seems boring. Two students: When are we leaving, sir? Langst: Looks like the brother and sister are eager. We¡¯ll leave in 15 minutes, so prepare yourselves. There¡¯s a room with various types of equipment for you to choose from. Sai: Shall we check out the room, Leo? Leo: Alright. (thinking): Though I¡¯m not really interested. They enter the room and find an array of armor and weapons. Sai: There¡¯s so much stuff here. Look at this sword! Leo: Too long. Sai: Look at this bow! Leo: Seriously? Sai: Wait, look at these gloves! Leo: They suit you. Sai: Don¡¯t they? Sai: Are you sticking with your wooden sword? Leo: I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a good sword here. Karez: What about this one, Leo? A black sword, medium-length, perfect for your height and hands. Leo: It does fit! Leo unsheathes the sword and swings it. Langst: That¡¯s¡­ Leo: Professor Langst? Langst: My old sword. Sai: You used to fight with a sword, Professor? Langst: Yes, I did. Leo: It must be strong, then. Langst: It is. Its name is Lin. Leo: Lin, huh? I¡¯ll take it. Langst (with a faint smile): Good. Leo: Can I leave my wooden sword here in the room? I don¡¯t want to throw it away; it helped me a lot. Langst: Yes, you can. Leo places his wooden sword with the other swords in the room. Sai: The sword looks awesome. Leo: Indeed. Sai: Mary, aren¡¯t you taking anything from here? Mary: No, my bow is better. Sai: Alright! After 15 minutes: Langst: Is everyone ready? Everyone: Ready! Langst: Let¡¯s go, then. Mary: How are we traveling? Langst: Using your abilities. Kinto and Leo: Again?? Langst: Of course. Beatrix: Tornado! A tornado appears in front of Beatrix, and she stands atop it. Beatrix: Who wants to ride? Kani: Is this safe? Beatrix: Yes. Kani, Kano, and another student join Beatrix on the tornado. Karez: No other choice¡­ Karez gathers a bunch of metals and sticks them together, forming a surface he can stand on. Kiyutai and Kinto join him. Leo: Betelus. Betelus forms, and Leo, Sai, and Mary climb aboard. Langst: I think I¡¯ll ride with Leo. Langst also climbs onto Bitless. Langst: Let¡¯s go. As they fly, Mary speaks up Mary: Are those gloves ordinary? Sai: Uh¡­ I¡¯m not sure. Mary: You took them without checking¡­ Langst: Leo. Leo: Yes? Langst: Bitless feels very light, almost hollow inside. Leo: It is hollow inside. Langst: Does that mean any strike could make it dissipate? Leo: That¡¯s right. Langst: Why is it hollow inside? Leo: Because I don¡¯t have strong control over Shinta. I form it on the outside, but the inside remains empty. I need to train my Shinta control. Langst: You can do it. Everyone was like you at first. Leo (smiling): Thanks for your words. Langst: No thanks needed. Upon Arriving at the Daimas Langst: Are you all ready? Everyone: Of course! They enter the Daimas through a long corridor. Kano: When will this corridor end? Langst: I think it''s over... with a wall. Beatrix: What? How will we get in? Langst: Search the corridor; we might find something helpful. After a little searching, Sai discovers something. Sai: Teacher! I think I can push this rock. Langst: Wait, step back. Langst pushes the rock, revealing three doors in front of them. Langst: Alright, here''s the plan: Sai, Kyotai, and Kinto will take the left door. Leo, Beatrix, Kariz, and Garin will take the middle door. I''ll go with Kano, Kani, and Mary through the right door. Let''s move out. The doors close behind them as they enter. Leo: Oh, come on! Suddenly, the floor beneath them gives way, and all three groups fall into tubes, sliding down at high speed. Beatrix: Where are we going?! Kani: It''s so cramped in here! Kyotai(calmly): This wasn¡¯t part of the plan... Sai: What the¡ª Langst: Is this normal? Really, old man... Leo notices a light at the end of the tube and shouts Leo: If you can hear me, we''re almost at the end! Karez and Beatrix: That''s good news! Leo reaches the end of the tube and finds himself in mid-air. Leo: What is this?! (thinking): I can¡¯t summon Betelus while falling like this! I¡¯m going to die. Think, think, think! Before he hits the ground, Beatrix uses her ability to catch him. Beatrix: That was close. Leo: Thanks. Karez comes out next, and Beatrix helps him land as well. Kariz: I wonder how the others are doing. Beatrix: Hopefully, they''re alright. Garin exits the tube, surrounded by mist that gently lowers him to the ground. Garin: That was quite the drop. Name: Garin Ability: Mist Beatrix: So, it¡¯s clear the Daimas we saw above ground was just a decoy. The real Daimas is underground. Leo: This place is enormous. Kariz: Don¡¯t let your guard down; monsters could appear at any moment. Leo: Don¡¯t worry, we won¡¯t. Because they¡¯re already here. Misshapen monsters emerge in front of them. Leo: Get ready. Sai''s Group Sai reaches the end of the tube and clings to the edge. Sai: It¡¯s a long way down. Hearing someone approaching from the tube, he sees it''s Kinto and grabs him as he comes out. Sai: When Kyotai arrives, we need to be on the ground to catch him. Kinto: How are we supposed to get down? Sai: Leave that to me. Sai uses his ability, throwing Kinto upward. Then he propels himself to the wall, running along it to reach the ground before Kinto. Once there, he sprints to where Kinto is falling and catches him just in time. Kinto: Oh, my god. Kyotai exits the tube next, and Sai catches him too. Kyotai: What is this shitty daimas. Kinto: Look over there. They see dozens of ghouls approaching. Sai: No time to catch our breath. Kinto: Doesn¡¯t seem like it. Langst¡¯s Group Kano exits the tube and finds himself falling but uses his ability. Kano: Quicksand! The ground turns to quicksand, cushioning his fall. Name: Kano Winn Ability: Sand Kano: What is this place? Kani and Mary exit next, landing in the quicksand before Kano deactivates his ability. Mary: Where¡¯s the teacher? Kano: No idea. Kani: Guys... Kano: What? Kani: Those are... giant insects. Mary: This is disgusting. Langst emerges elsewhere, alone. Langst (thinking): What¡¯s going on? This isn¡¯t a normal Daimas. Did they mess up the map or its evaluation? A single monster rises from the ground. Monster: Who are you? Langst: I¡¯m the teacher of the students you separated, Langst. And you? Monster: I am the leader, Greisen. Langst (thinking): He must¡¯ve chosen me as his opponent because I¡¯m the strongest here. Langst: Shall we begin? Langst¡¯s hands transform into blades. Name: Langst Vitaline Ability: Blades Chains emerge from Greisen¡¯s body. Greisen: Of course. How? Group Leo Leo: Fighting them will be easy since they''re just weak monsters. Monsters with wings appear. Leo (thinking): I hate flying monsters... Garin: Beatrix and I will handle the flying monsters, and you and karez will deal with the most ones on the ground. Leo: Sounds good. Leo rushes to battle Leo: why not try my new sword on you? Leo fights much better, with more ease than before. One of the monsters tries to strike Leo from behind. Karez: Crushing room! The monster is trapped inside a room, and its walls close, crushing it. Leo: thanks! Beatrix pulls out a rifle. Garin: a rifle? Beatrix: it''s not just any rifle. Beatrix shoots, and a compressed air bullet pierces the heads of tow monsters. Garin: impressive. Garin begins using his fog ability to jump higher and cut off the wings of the flying monsters while Beatrix continues shooting with her rifle. Garin: now that you''re on the ground, I can finish you off. Garin lands on one of the monsters and crushes it''s head. Garin: next. Leo: Man, they don''t stop coming. Karez: They just keep appearing endlessly. Leo: we''re going to be surrounded if this keeps up. Karez: I have an idea. Karez flies up with his ability. Karez: hold your sword tight! Leo: got it! Karez uses his ability on Leo''s sword, making him fly as karez pulls on it. Leo: I get it... Great idea! Karez: Get ready! Karez pulls and throws Leo toward the monsters. Leo begins slicing through them one by one. Leo (Excited): This is getting easier. Karez smiles amd uses his other hand to move the metals around them to crush the remaining monsters. Beatrix: what a duo. One of the monsters is about to strike beatrix, but Garin kicks it away. Garin: focus! Beatrix: O-Okay! Beatrix places her rifle on her back. Beatrix: I''ll gather them. Garin: Alright. Beatrix manipulate the wind to gather the monsters in one spot, and Garin begins killing them. Beatrix pulls out tow pistols and starts to kill the monsters too. Beatrix: behind you! Garin turns around and kicks the monster''s head off, sending it flying and smashing into another monster''s head. Garin: finally, that''s done. Leo: there were so many of them. Karez: that wall is shaking. The wall opens up Leo: another place... Garin: let''s move forward. Group Sai Kinto: Some of the ghouls won''t be a Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. problem. Sai: What about that big one. Kyotai: I''Il take care of him. Sai: Didn''t expect you to cooperate. Kyotai: I''Il fight him because I''m the strongest among you weaklings. Sai: Forget I said that. Kinto draws his daggers, and Sai activates his ability. Kinto: I noticed you''ve gotten faster. Sai: I''ve trained a lot this month. I can boost myself by 6%. Kinto: i didn''t expecte a single percentage to make such a difference. Kyotai moves to fight the large ghoul, while Kinto and Sai deal with the othe ghouls. Kinto: Cutting them up is easy, but those archers are annoying. Sai: I agree. Kinto: leave it to you for a bit, Shingen. Kinto rushes toward the archers. Kinto: Why don''t I just cut you up? Kinto starts slicing through them whil Sai continues killing the other ghouls. Kyotai: You must be their leader. The large ghoul roars in kyotai''s face. Kyotai: What? You can''t talk? The ghoul attempts to strike Kyotai. Kyotai: Wall! A wall appears in front of Kyotai, stopping the ghoul''s blow. Name: Kyotai Winn Ability: Walls Kyotai: You''re weak. The ghoul growls angrily and continues trying to destroy the wall. Kyotai: Don''t bother, you can''t destroy it. Kyotai leaps and forms a cube around his hand, striking the ghoul''s head. Kyotai: Kneel before me you little piece of shit. Sai charges toward the large ghoul and kicks him, distracting him long enough for Kinto to reach his mouth. Kinto: Open up, big guy. Kinto forces the ghoul''s mouth open and tosses a bottle of poison inside. Kinto: Enjoy your meal. Kinto clamps the ghoul''s mouth shut, causing him to swallow the poison. After five seconds, the ghoul becomes immobile.Kyotai leaps and forms a cube around his hand, striking the ghoul''s head. Kyotai: Kneel before someone stronger than you. Sai charges toward the large ghoul and kicks him, distracting him long enough for Kinto to reach his mouth. Kinto: Open up, big guy. Kinto forces the ghoul''s mouth open and tosses a bottle of poison inside. Kinto: Enjoy your meal. Kinto clamps the ghoul''s mouth shut, causing him to swallow the poison. After five seconds, the ghoul becomes immobile. Kyotai: Wall! A thin, sharp-edged wall appears and is launched toward the ghoul''s neck, severing its head. Kyotai: Didn''t I say l''d handle him myself? Kinto: We don''t have time to waste. Sai: Right, we need to meet up with the others as quickly as possible. Kyotai: Whatever. Kyotai opens the wall to another area. Sai: It''s good that we don''t have to find the way ourselves. Group Mary Kano: Seriously? You''re scared of a few bugs? Mary and Kani: They''re disgusting! Kano: Alright, alright, just support me from the back. (Thinking): Why is my luck like this... Kano: Sand Spikes! The ground erupts with spikes of sand, impaling the insects. Mary: Good thing you all gathered in one spot. Mary ignites an arrow with fire and shoots it into a cluster of insects, burning them all. Kani: l''Il blind them, and then you can finish them off. Mary: Got it. Kani forms glass from her body and manipulates it with Shingen Control, hurling the shards at the insects'' eyes. Name: Kani Winn Ability: Glass Mary: They have so many eyes-make sure you pierce them alI. Kani: Understood. Mary begins killing the insects with her arrows. Kano: Mary, get a fire arrow ready. I''ve got an idea. Mary: Alright! Kano: Quicksand! The ground beneath the insects turns into quicksand, causing them to sink. Kano: Not yet... just a little longer... now! The quicksand vanishes, and Mary immediately fires a flaming arrow at the insects, incinerating them. Kani: Finally, it''s over. Mary: So, where to now? The wall opens. Kano: Let''s move. Group Leo Leo: This place is wide and empty as well. Karez: That wall is opening! Out of it emerges Mary''s group. Leo (smiling): Mary! Mary: Leo! Where are Sai and the others? Are you all alright? Leo: We''re fine, but we don''t know where the others are. Karez: They must be fighting behind one of these walls. Beatrix: They''re probably facing a strong opponent. Karez: Most likely. Leo: Sai will definitely defeat him. Karez: Mary, isn''t the teacher with you? Mary: No, he''s not with us. Karez: What kind of place is this, damn it? Garin: What now? The ground begins to shake as two monsters emerge from below. Kano: Are there two leaders in Dimas?.... One of the monsters: Don''t be stupid, we''re the leader''s deputies. Leo: It can talk? Garin: The leader must be fighting the teacher. Leaders Room Griesen: Come here! Langst: You won''t enjoy this fight. Langst disappears from in front of Griesen. Griesen: What? Where did he go? Langst: Above you, idiot. Langst slices off Griesen''s head. Langst: That was easy. An exit opens from the ground. Langst: it''s better if this exit leads me to the students. Group Sai Sai: What is this strange place? A huge pit beneath us and some ground platforms extending from below. Kinto: We need to get to the other side quickly. Kinto jumps onto one of the platforms, but suddenly flames erupt from the platform, revealing that the place is filled with traps. Sai: Kinto! Kyotai: Be careful! Arrows shoot towards Sai, but Kyotai creates a wall to protect him. Kinto: I''m fine. It turns out Kinto jumped onto another platform before being burned by the flames. Kyotai: Sai, follow me. Kyotai creates a ground path with his power, and they move across it. Kinto jumps onto it, and Kyotai builds walls and a ceiling around them to protect them from the traps. Kyotai: Let¡¯s hurry up. At Leo and the Others The monsters begin to attack but suddenly stop, as it becomes clear that someone has cut them in half. Leo: The teacher?? The person: I don¡¯t think so. Karez: Who are you?! The person: I am Azazil. Mary: He¡¯s human... Is he on our side? Kano: We don¡¯t know. Garin: Don¡¯t let your guard down. What¡¯s your goal? A wall opens behind Azazil. Azazil: This is my goal, the treasure room in this Dimas. I¡¯ve been watching you fight. Thank you for fighting in my place. Now, I don¡¯t need you anymore. Leo: Ha- Suddenly, Azazil appears in front of Mary and kicks her into the wall, knocking her unconscious. Karez: He¡¯s been watching us, so he knows our abilities and weapons! He¡¯ll eliminate those who pose a threat first! Leo (thinking): Next... Beatrix! Leo moves toward Beatrix, trying to reach her before Azazil, but Azazil heads toward Kani and tries to strike her. Her brother protects her and takes the blow. Kano falls to the ground from the impact, and Azazil grabs Kani¡¯s hand, attempting to break it. But Karez throws a metal block toward Azazil, and he deflects it. Leo: Garin! Garin: Shingen. Garin charges toward Azazil, drawing his sword, attempting to strike him, but Azazil blocks and pushes him away. Azazil: A dual headed sword? Interesting. Azazil turns to Kani again. Karez: Shingen. A shield appears in front of Kani to protect her, and Kani takes the opportunity to carry her brother and retreat. Kani: Stay here. She lays her brother on the ground. Leo: Karez, Beatrix! Beatrix draws two pistols, and Karez gathers metals into fist-like shapes. Azazil: How annoying. Sandstorm! A giant sandstorm forms, throwing Leo and Kani into the air. Kani: This is stronger than the sandstorm my brother can create. Leo: This is bothersome. Azazil launches a sand blast toward Karez, but Karez blocks it with a metal wall. Azazil: I like your ability. Azazil charges at Karez to touch him. Azazil: Gotcha. A block of metal is thrown at Garin and Beatrix. Karez: What the...! The sandstorm disappears, and Leo and Kani fall. Leo: Wasn¡¯t he controlling the sand just a moment ago?! Karez: He touched me and then used my ability! He must have a power that lets him copy abilities! Leo (thinking): What? Copy abilities? But when he copied Karez¡¯s ability, the sandstorm disappeared. That means he probably can¡¯t use more than one ability at a time. Kani: Watch out! A sharp piece of metal shoots toward Leo, but someone else blocks it. Kinto: Didn¡¯t I tell you you¡¯re weak, Leo? Leo: Kinto! Sai: Looks like you need some help. Beatrix: Just in time. Sai, Kinto, and Garin charge toward Azazil, but he dodges them. However, Leo reaches him, covering his sword in darkness. Azazil (shocked): What¡ª Leo strikes Azazil with his sword. Azazil tries to block, but he fails and suffers a critical injury. Azazil: Y-You... Langst lands from above. Langst: This Dimas is really a pain. Are you another person looking for a fight? Azazil points to Leo. Azazil: You... How are you still alive... When having this ability?.... Leo: Huh? What do you mean? Langst: Has the pain affected your speech? Azazil struggles to stand before disappearing. Langst: Did he teleport? Karez: Teacher, this guy can copy abilities. It must be one of the abilities he copied. Langst: Copy? Interesting. Anyway, good job, everyone. First, we need to take care of Kano and Mary, especially Mary, since her condition is critical. I¡¯ll contact the loot team to come and take the treasures. After the mission, the treasures were gathered, and everyone returned to the academy for a rest. Everyone fell asleep quickly. Meanwhile, Azazil is struggling, bleeding from the injury he received from Leo. Panting. Azazil: That... that ability... I know it... It shouldn¡¯t exist in a human... How... Azazil loses consciousness and collapses to the ground, as someone appears in front of him. Ten days had passed since the Daimas incident. Because of it, the headmaster of Limitless Academy, Satil, issued a decree that Daimas missions would start in the third academic stage, and missions for the first stage would be simplified. Director Satile Two Weeks Later, 8:00 AM Sai: Aren¡¯t we going to try with Kinto a little? Leo: Absolutely not. Sai: But¡ª Leo: No. He called us weak, so let him do whatever he wants. Sai: Alright¡ª Kinto: Leo. Sai: Where did you come from?! Leo: What do you want? Kinto: Since you¡¯re in the 17th place now, I¡¯ll stick with you. But if I surpass you, I¡¯ll leave immediately. Leo: As if I¡¯d accept you. Kinto: Huh?! Mary: Seriously... Leo: Get lost, tomato-head. Kinto: Are you ordering me around, coal-head?! Sai: Stop it... Langst watches them from afar. Langst (thinking): It seems he¡¯s matured a little. Three Hours Later. Sai: Isn¡¯t today a holiday? Why don¡¯t we go out for a bit? Leo: Where to? Sai: To the kingdom¡¯s center. Leo: Now that I think about it, we¡¯ve only been there once as kids. Sai: Then let¡¯s go! As they prepare, Leo asks: What do you want to do there? Sai: I don¡¯t know. Leo: So you¡¯re going without any plans... Sai: Let¡¯s just go and see what we¡¯ll do. Planning ruins the fun in these things. Leo: You¡¯ve got a point. They leave the academy, greet Sylan, and head to the kingdom¡¯s center. Leo: How long will it take to get there? Sai: With Betelus, we¡¯ll arrive in an hour and 15 minutes. Sai: That¡¯s a lot of time... Why don¡¯t we race to Kaino¡¯s Juice Shop?! Leo: What kind of idea is that now? Sai (grinning): Are you scared of losing? Leo: Of course not! Sai jumps off Betelus and uses enhancement to start running, while Leo soars through the sky on Betelus. Leo: I¡¯ll beat you easily! Sai: Let¡¯s see about that! An hour passes. Sai (thinking): I¡¯ve run so much. I¡¯m exhausted... Leo: Looks like you¡¯re tired. Sai: Shut up! Leo (smirking): At this rate, I¡¯ll win. Sai (thinking): The shop is near. I just have to hold on a bit longer. They both reach the shop at the same time. Leo & Sai: I won! Sai: Huh? I¡¯m the winner! Leo: Of course not! Sai: You! Who got here first? ???: Hmm... I wasn¡¯t paying attention to you. Leo: We passed right in front of you! ???: I was listening to music, so I didn¡¯t notice. Sai: Looks like we tied. Leo: Yeah... So, where do we go to get to the kingdom¡¯s center? Sai: About that... I don¡¯t know. Leo: Seriously? You brought us here and don¡¯t even know the way?! The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ???: I¡¯m also heading to the city center. Shall I take you with me? Sai: If you don¡¯t mind... Leo: Since we¡¯ll be spending some time together, I¡¯m Leo. Sai: And I¡¯m Sai. ??? (smiling): I¡¯m Myuso. Let¡¯s go. The three start walking to the city center. Sai: Look here! This looks delicious. Leo: It really does. Myuso: These are cooked meatballs. They have some kind of secret ingredient. They¡¯re indeed delicious. Sai: Let¡¯s try them. Leo: Alright. Leo buys some, and the three start eating. Sai: They¡¯re delicious! Leo: Really good. Myuso: They¡¯re my favorite. They continue walking, buying food and shopping a bit. Myuso: I have a question. Leo: What is it? Myuso: Are you two brothers? Leo: Yes, twins. Myuso: Honestly, you don¡¯t look alike at all. Leo: Everyone says that. Myuso: You¡¯re the older one, right, Leo? Leo: No. Sai: I am. Myuso: Huh... Sai: By five minutes. Myuso: Your behavior doesn¡¯t reflect that... Sai smiles. Myuso: Anyway, we¡¯re here. Leo: So this is the kingdom¡¯s center. Sai: There are so many people here. Myuso: This place never sleeps. People are here day and night. Sai: Impressive. Leo: That¡¯s a Ferris wheel, isn¡¯t it? Myuso: Yes. Sai: A Ferris wheel? Let¡¯s try it! Leo: Alright. They get on the Ferris wheel. Sai: Wow, it¡¯s so high up! Leo smiles. Myuso: Riding the Ferris wheel clears my mind a bit. They get off. Leo: Looks like we¡¯re going to have a lot of fu¡ª Leo notices someone pulling out a gun and pointing it at another person. He leaps to intervene. Leo (thinking): I won¡¯t make it in time! Suddenly, Myuso reaches the person at an incredible speed. Myuso: Music line. A yellow line shoots from Myuso¡¯s finger, hitting the person. As he try to escape, Sai grabs him. Sai: You can¡¯t do anything now. Leo: W-What was that? Myuso: My ability, Music. That was a line without melody. Leo: Amazing... You were so fast, too. Myuso: That¡¯s because I can move at the speed of my music lines. They hand the person over to the authorities and continue their day. Leo: Myuso, are you in an academy? Myuso: No. Leo: Why not join one? Myuso: I have my reasons... Leo: Alright... In the academy, Karez dreams about childhood memories. Karez: That¡¯s when I went to the kingdom¡¯s park with my aunt. And that¡¯s when we visited my grandmother in her last days. And this... Garin? The dream ends, and Karez wakes up, puzzled. Karez: What does Garin have to do with my childhood...? Days pass, and Karez dreams of his childhood every night, with Garin appearing at the end of each dream. One night, in the dream: Karez: Garin, what does all this mean? Why are you in my memories? Garin: Be careful, cousin. Karez: Cousin...? Karez wakes up. Karez (thinking): It can¡¯t just be a random dream. I¡¯ve had it so many times, and it¡¯s led me here. Could this be the answer? 6:40 AM Breka: Good morning, Sai. Sai: Breka! How are you? Breka: I''m fine. Sai: How are things in Class A? Breka: They''re good, but Professor Elizabeth is a bit strict. Sai: Lucky for us, Professor Langst isn''t too strict. Elizabeth: The lecture starts in twenty minutes, and you''re still here? Breka: I''m coming now... See you later, Sai. Breka enters her class, and Sai heads to his. But before entering, he notices an eye on the wall, which quickly disappears. Sai: Huh? I must be imagining things... I didn''t sleep well last night. Sai enters his classroom. After the lectures, at Director Satil''s office: Director Satil: Elizabeth. Elizabeth: Yes? Director Satil: I feel like something is going to happen soon. Elizabeth: Like what? Director Satil: I''m not sure. Maybe I''m wrong. It''s just a feeling. Elizabeth: Even if something happens, it won''t be a problem. After all, we''re here. Director Satil: Yes, you''re right. I shouldn''t worry. So, how are the students doing? Meanwhile: Karez, feeling a bit more at ease, sits down to eat, only to find a gift on his table. Karez: A gift? How did this get here? I''m sure I didn''t receive any gifts. Karez opens the gift to find a communication device. Karez: A communication device? What kind of gift is this... The device activates. ???: How are you, Karez? Karez (thinking): This voice isn''t familiar. Karez: Who are you? ???: That''s the wrong question, but I''l answer it. I am The Captor. Karez: The Captor? Captor: The captor of your clan. Karez: W-What do you mean?... Captor: I know you don''t care about your clan since they abandoned you. But you do care about your mother, Lara Lavalik. Anger filled karez in a split second. Karez: Hey, you''re going too far. Captor: I won''t drag this out. There are coordinates written on the note in the gift. Go there, and you''ll find me. Don''t try seeking help from the kingdom or the academy--''ll know immediately. And then, you can say goodbye to your mother. I''l be waiting, Karez. Karez feels a mix of anger and fear for his mother but tries to stay calm to avoid making rash decisions. Karez (thinking): Surely, he wouldn''t kill anyone since he wants me. But there''s a chance he might hurt someone, most likely my mother, since she''s the only person I care about. I have to act quickly. But I can''t go to an unknown place alone. There might be more than one person, and I''d be defeated easily... I feel like my head is going to explode. Thursday, 4:00 AM: Karez: It''s time. Karez heads to the coordinates. An hour after his departure, Class A''s professor, Grif, heads to the director''s office to get some papers signed. He knocks on the door, but there''s no response. Grif: Director, are you inside? Grif opens the door and is shocked to find Director Satil murdered, his body covered in blood, with someone standing nearby. Grif (shocked): Director... The person grabs Grif by the neck and throws him out of the room. Some students are shocked by what they see. Student: P-Professor, what happened? Grif: Run now and inform Langst! Tell him the academy is under attack! The students run to alert Langst and evacuate the academy. Grif: Did you kill the director? ???: What will you do if I did? Grif: I''I| kill you. ???: Bold words. What''s your name? Grif: Grif Karika. ???: Alex Smith. Meanwhile: Karez: So, this is the place. Karez enters the location and sees that it has multiple floors. Karez: I have to climb all of this...? A voice echoes. ???: Welcome, Karez. I want to welcome you to the Tower of Death. If you want to reach me, you''ll have to get to the top. Karez: Why are you being so clear and confident? ???: Because I know you won''t make it out alive. Karez: We''ll see about that. Karez begins ascending. At tirst, nothing hinders his progress. Karez (thinking): There''s no way all the floors are like this. Karez continues climbing until he reaches the 15th floor. Karez: Am I just going to keep climbing like this? Suddenly, an arrow shoots out from the wall, but Karez narrowly avoids it. Karez: An arrow? Karez feels the ground beneath him heating up. Flames burst from the floor, but he manages to evade them. Soon, every step he takes ignites flames. Karez starts running, trying to climb and survive. Karez (thinking): Of course, it wouldn''t be that simple. Arrows shoot at Karez from all sides of the walls. He dodges and blocks them as he continues until he reaches the 25th floor. Karez: Will these flames ever stop? Suddenly, a large monster appears, attacking Karez. Karez (thinking): What should I do.... Flames behind me, a monster in front of me, and arrows from the sides. Think, think... Karez gets an idea. Using his ability to attract metal from the ground, he increases the pull to launch himself upward. The monster is struck by the flames and arrows. Karez then hurls the metal he attracted at the monster, crushing it. Karez: That was close... I need to keep going. In the Academy Grif (thinking): Could his ability be surveillance? If so, how does he fight? Unless he''s a skilled physical fighter. Enough thinking--let''s begin. Grif charges toward Alex, and they exchange blows. Grif: You''re more skilled than I expected. Grif successfully lands a hit on Alex and follows it up with a jump kick to his head. This momentary loss of focus allows Grif to strike Alex in the side. Alex: You''re really annoying. Why don''t we fight more seriously.. with more destruction? Alex activates his ability, causing massive hands to emerge and grow from his back. Grif: So your ability isn''t just surveillance and espionage. Alex: Do you think you stand a chance now? Name: Alex Smith Ability: Organs Grif: You haven''t seen anything yet. Alex (thinking): I still don''t know what his ability is, but he seems very confident. The surroundings start to crumble due to the size of the hands. Grif: This should he enough. Grif charges to attack Alex, but a hand suddenly appears in front of him. Alex: How foolish. Grif: Nin. Grif disappears and reappears behind Alex, using the Shingen Offensive to lunge forward and land a strike on Alex''s back. Alex: You''re more annoying than I thought. Grif: Do you still think I don''t have a chance? Name: Grif Karika Ability: Exchange Alex: Unfortunately for you, the teleportation is over. One of the hands sprouts an eye that transforms into a woman, revealing that these eyes were embedded with a teleportation ability. Alex: Now it''s two against one. Langst arrives at the battle scene, finding the area destroyed. Langst:I leave to buy tea and come back to find the academy in this state? Listen here, you said it''s two against one. That''s not the case anymore-it''s two against two. Grif: Langst! The director has been killed. Langst: That old man... was killed? Who did it? Grif: The guy with the massive hands. Langst: Leave him to me. Alex: You seem stronger. What''s your name? Langst: Langst Vitaline. The man who will kill you. Alex: Alex Smith. It''s a pleasure to meet you. Langst''s hands turn into blades. Grif: Hey, you! ???: So, you''re my prey. I''m Grace Onassis. Grif: I''m Grif Karika. The battle begins! Meanwhile: Karez, thinking to himself: Floor 46... 47... 48... 49.. Floor 50. The area is completely sealed off. I think this is the final floor. A figure appears in front of Karez. ???: Congratulations on reaching me, Karez. Karez (thinking): This voice...It is him. ???: I think you deserve to know my name now. l''m Alvis Exaris. Karez: Where''s my mother? Alvis: Look behind me. Karez sees his mother lying on the ground. Karez: Mom... What did you do to her? Alvis speaks with a sinister smile. Alvis: I didn''t do anything too extreme.. just a little torture. That''l make you angrier, won''t it? Lavalik Karez charges at Alvis to attack him, but Alvis dodges and strikes Karez. Karez throws a piece of metal toward Alvis, he tries to dodge it but it grazes him lightly. Alvis: Seems you''re stronger than expected, but that won''t be a big problem. A large number of skeletons emerge, attempting to attack Karez. Karez: Don''t think I heard your words and came alone like an idiot, now! The wall collapses as Professors Elizabeth and Kornar, along with Sai and Garin, enter. It turns out this attack was orchestrated by the academy and the kingdom. They are also accompanied by several healers, protectors, and stealth magic users outside the building. Alvis: What?! One week ago: Karez: Director. Director Satil: What''s going on, Karez? Karez begins explaining what he heard from the communication device. Director Satil: So, that''s the situation. Don''t worry, Karez. Our kingdom''s stealth magic is very powerful. The director informs the kingdom about the matter concerning the Lavalik clan, and the kingdom begins an investigation in complete secrecy. They send their best stealth magic users and discover that the Lavalik clan has disappeared, with no evidence to say they left from the kingdom''s gates. They then begin planning an attack on Alvis and send warriors with stealth magic users to investigate the coordinates. In the present: Alvis: Don''t underestimate me... Alvis jumps into the air and sweeps his hand across the ground and the people present. Some block it, but others fall to the bottom of the tower along with a large group of skeletons due to the ground collapsing, leaving only Karez and Garin facing Alvis. Karez (thinking): It''ll take the professors some time to arrive, especially since they can''t exit unless they enter from the outside like they did. The building is extremely strong on the inside, but easy to break from the outside. Garin: It''ll take them some time to get here. We have to fight him. Garin pulls out his weapon and charges using Shingen, but Alvis easily dodges. Karez rushes at Alvis to kick him in the head, but Alvis remains unaffected, grabs Karez, and throws him against the wall. Garin attempts to use mist to obscure Alvis vision, but Alvis grabs his hand and breaks two of his fingers. However, Garin persists, trying to hit Alvis with his weapon, but Alvis holds Garin''s weapon and stabs his hand with it, then kicks him down. Garin falls to the ground, but suddenly Karez throws a large chunk of metal at Alvis, injuring him slightly. Karez (thinking): After all that, for just a light injury? Alvis moves toward Karez, attempting to strike, but Karez barely dodges. Karez tries to land punches on Alvis, but Alvis blocks them all and punches Karez in the stomach, causing him to cough up blood. Alvis then tries to use his power to kill Karez, but Garin, despite his injuries Garin: I''m still standing. Alvis: I underestimated you. I didn''t expect you''d go this far, Garin Lavalik Karez and Garin are shocked by Alvis addressing Garin as "Lavalik." Karez (thinking): Does this mean my dream was a prediction of the future?! Garin decides not to focus on this now and concentrates on the fight. He uses Shingen to rush at Alvis to strike him, but Alvis dodges. Garin does the unexpected, using Shingen again to charge at Alvis. Alvis barely dodges Garin''s attack, but Garin doesn''t stop and continues using Shingen until he manages to injure Alvis significantly. Karez (thinking): If he keeps going like this with his body, he''ll definitely die! Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Alvis attempts to strike Garin, but Karez uses Shingen to intercept and successfully injures Alvis with a sharp piece of metal. Alvis stands still, and it''s clear he''s about to cut everything around him. But suddenly, a shot pierces Alvis foot, and it turns out that Professors Elizabeth and Kornar have finally arrived. Elizabeth: Looks like we were a little late, Kornar. Name: Elizabeth Rothschild Ability: transforming bofy parts into weapons Kornar: A little late? From the state of the students, I think we''re so late. Name: Kornar Williams Ability: Electricity Elizabeth: Since they''re alive, there''s no need to worry. Now, shall we begin? Alvis: Two against one? Kornar: It wouldn''t really matter. Sai rushes to carry Karez and Garin out of the building, leaving Kornar and Elizabeth to face Alvis. Elizabeth shoots five bullets at Alvis, hitting his legs, causing him to fall. Corner then shocks him with a large amount of electricity, knocking him unconscious. Corner: If Griff or Langst were here, this fight would have lasted longer. Elizabeth: They treat their enemies like toys. Outside the tower, the healers and Mary are treating Garin and Karez. Karez: Garin. Garin: What? Karez: If you kept using Shingen at that time, you would¡¯ve died. Garin: I know. Karez: And you don¡¯t mind? Garin: I have nothing to lose... Karez: You fool... What about your cousin that is sitting besides you? Garin: My cousin...? Karez: The situation is a bit strange, but I believe it now... At the Academy Griff charges towards Grace, but Grace uses her ability to lift the earth, creating a wall, causing Griff to stop. Griff (thinking): Her ability is earth, then. A hole opens in the wall, and fire shoots out, but Griff exchanges with a flying rock. Griff (thinking): Fire?? Fire and earth?? Griff sees a lighter in Grace''s hand, and it''s as if the fire is entering Grace''s hand. She then releases flames at Griff, but he dodges them. Griff (thinking): Her ability is absorption, then! Griff exchanges with the wall next to Grace, hitting her hard in the face. She tries to strike Griff, but he exchanges with a rock behind her, landing another powerful blow to her back. Grace: This nin is annoying, why do you keep saying that damn word! Grace tries to strike Griff again, but he exchanges with another rock to kick her in the side. Griff: When a ninja wants to teleport... they say "Nin!" Grace: What''s this childish reason... Griff: It looks like your friend''s destruction of the place is now hurting you. Grace: Don''t act like you''re not worried about your teammate. Griff: Why should I worry? He¡¯s just playing right now. If he were serious, your lives wouldn''t last more than five seconds. He''s one of the three. Grace: Don¡¯t underestimate us! Grace pulls large stone chunks from the ground and hurls them at Griff. He exchanges with one of the rocks, then uses the Shingen technique to get close to Grace, landing a punch that sends her flying backward a little, causing her to cough up some blood. Griff: I¡¯m not underestimating you, I''m actually giving you your due. Grace: You''re so annoying! Langst: You''re way too slow, kid. Alex: Stop playing and fight me seriously! Langst: You¡¯ll regret it if I''m serious. Hands surround Langst, trapping him, but Langst cuts them all and escapes, charging at Alex to cut off his hand, but Alex grows a new one. Alex: Let¡¯s see how many hands you can grow. Langst continues to cut Alex¡¯s hands, causing the huge hands to stop growing until Alex¡¯s main hands regrow. Every time new hands grow, Langst cuts them off until. Alex: Why don¡¯t you take a break for a second! Alex grows more hands and starts attacking Langst faster, but Langst dodges all of his attacks. Alex: I don¡¯t have any other choice now. Large numbers of skeletons begin rising from the ground. Langst: What is this now? As more skeletons emerge, some start to fall apart. Alex (thinking): Who is this now? Leo: I think the third-year students are on a mission or something. Kinto: I was wondering where the second-year students are. Kyotai: I haven¡¯t seen any of them since the beginning of the year. Leo: That¡¯s not important now. We need to kill these skeletons. Langst: Leo, Kinto and. Kyotai? Leo: Don¡¯t worry, Teacher. We¡¯ll only fight these skeletons. Langst: Thank you. Leo: No need to thank us. This is our second fight, Lin. Leo charges and destroys three skeletons at once. Kinto: This is nothing. Kinto charges, cutting down the skeletons one after another, killing seven in five seconds. Leo: You think you¡¯re better than me?! Kinto: Of course. Kyotai creates walls, trapping a large number of skeletons in one place before smashing them with another wall from above. Kyotai: Weak skeletons. Langst (thinking): They¡¯ve gotten stronger. Langst looks at them one last time before looking back at Alex. Langst: Hey, moron, my students are watching now, why don¡¯t I impress them a little? Alex attacks Langst with three hands, but Langst cuts them all with a single swing. Langst: I want to encourage the new generation. I want to die peacefully, but I have to make sure these little sprouts grow. Maybe you don¡¯t see it, but I see a bright future. Alex: You¡¯ve become a chatterbox. Griff: Looks like Langst is about to end his fight, and so am I. Grace stands up with difficulty to continue the fight and blows fire at Griff, but Griff dodges it easily. He then charges toward Grace and punches her in the head, causing her to fall to the ground. Grace speaks softly. Even with your power... I lost... Grace loses consciousness. Langst: 15%. Alex (thinking): 15%? His power level?! Suddenly, Langst appears beside Alex and cuts off his hands. Langst: Are you ready? Before Alex can grow his hands back, Langst cuts off his legs. Alex tries to move or activate his power but he can¡¯t. He¡¯s terrified. Finally, he manages to speak. Alex: O... great... leader... help me! Please save me! O great leader!! Langst cuts off his head. Langst: You¡¯ve started barking a lot to your leader, moron. Leo: We¡¯re done with them. After this, the Lavalik clan has been saved officially, and Karez''s mother was placed in the hospital. A DNA analysis of Kariz and Garin revealed that they were indeed relatives. Upon the return of the students and teachers to the academy, everyone was shocked by what had happened to the academy, but they had Alvis and Grace for investigation. The Limitless Academy was repaired, and while the repairs were ongoing, the students and teachers went to the Limitless Reserve Academy. The lake that employees and students use to enter the academy was also changed. It was discovered that an eye had infiltrated the clothing of one of the students while they were outside the academy, and when they returned, it emerged and spread within the academy, unbeknownst to anyone due to the cloaking magic it was under. Later, Sai informed the director that he had seen an eye on the wall after thinking about it for a while. It was revealed that the magic on it had temporarily stopped due to one of the enemy''s cloaking mages weakening. Because of this eye, the director decided to keep Langst and Griff in the academy for protection. A week after this incident, the news of Director Satile''s death was announced. Some felt sorrow, some didn''t care, and some were afraid that this was just the beginning, while among these reactions, there was someone laughing in the shadows. Myuso''s House Miyoso: So, Satile is dead... It has begun... Yaraso''s Office Yaraso: Satile... Will history repeat itself? Unknown Location Person: Can I get a bit more rest? The coming days will be tiring... Langst and Yaraso and Rivan 5:15 PM Garin: Karez. Karez: Yes? Garin: Can you explain how you managed to stay with the Lavalik clan until you were seven? Karez: Alright... Karez''s mother, Lara, gave birth to her first son without her husband, who had passed away the previous evening under mysterious circumstances. She named her son Karez. After giving birth, her health deteriorated significantly. The doctor told her she wouldn¡¯t live more than four years. However, as time passed and Lara saw that her son could control magnetic powers, she fought the illness for three additional years in every possible way, always trying to hide the fact that Karez could control magnetism. Karez: Mom. Lara: Yes, Karez? Karez: Why does Grandpa yell so much when he talks to you? Lara: He just gets annoyed quickly. Karez: Alright... Why does your face have blue spots on it? Lara (smiling): I fell down the stairs yesterday. Karez: Be careful, Mom. Lara: Alright, my dear. Do you want to go to the park with your aunt? Karez: Of course! Lara was often scolded and sometimes beaten by her father to ensure she wasn¡¯t hiding Karez¡¯s ability. Since Karez had never used his power openly, they couldn¡¯t confirm whether his ability was magma-related or not. However, in reality, Karez had used his power, but Lara kept it a secret. She didn¡¯t want Karez to be ostracized¡ªhe was her son, after all. The only person who knew about Karez¡¯s ability was Lara¡¯s sister, Katelin. With each passing year, Lara¡¯s health worsened until she became bedridden and unable to move. However, Karez stayed by her side in the room the whole time, delaying the clan¡¯s discovery of his powers even further. Karez: Mom, you¡¯ll be okay, right? Lara: Of course, Karez. Your mom is strong. On Karez¡¯s seventh birthday, his aunt Katelin told their father, Karez¡¯s grandfather, that Karez could control magnetism. She revealed that Lara had been hiding his powers, hoping he would at least reach adulthood before being cast out of the clan. It turned out that Karez¡¯s grandfather had asked Katelin about Karez since she spent the most time with him after Lara. Katelin answered him. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Katelin: Maybe some money would help you get the answer, Father. Karez¡¯s grandfather was stingy but he handed Katelin a sum of money just for the truth he wanted, and she revealed everything. Lara was brutally beaten in front of her son, and Karez was cast out of the clan and placed in an orphanage. As any child would, after seeing his mother beaten and bleeding and being separated from her, Karez couldn¡¯t stop crying. He cried continuously for four days until he fell asleep, only to wake up and cry again. But on the fifth day, Karez woke up silent. He didn¡¯t scream at all. Karez was exhausted from crying. At that moment, the innocent child Karez learned how to hate. In the end, they discovered that Lara''s illness was due to her son''s magnetic power. After they got separated, her condition returned to normal. After the attack on Limitless Academy and the kidnapping of the Lavalik clan, the people of Anastasia Kingdom felt uneasy. They didn¡¯t know what would happen next or if the kingdom could truly protect them, especially after the assassination of one of the five great academy directors, Satil. However, the majority of people had confidence in the kingdom, as it had always emerged victorious in every disaster. The Royal Meeting Room Advisor: Your Majesty, how do we maintain control after what has happened? The people are very worried. This hasn¡¯t occurred in 200 years. King: Don¡¯t worry, Choi. The people will, of course, feel fear and anxiety, but our history will reassure them a little. Satil was an important figure; his seat remains empty, as we can see before us. To restore the discipline of Limitless Academy and the calm of the other academies, we must choose a new director for the academy from among these candidates. They are the only ones capable of taking on such a position. The secretary begins distributing documents containing information about the candidates to those present. Advisor: Y-Your Majesty, why isn¡¯t Chul among the candidates? King: Dan, what do you think Chul¡¯s principles and ideas are? If he were to take on such a position, it would harm us greatly. We want obedient animals from this academy. Dan: But, Your Maj- King: Dan, if you utter another word, you will be buried alive, just like your father. Unknown Location ???: master, Alex has been killed, and Grace and Alvis have been captured. The Master: No matter. They weren¡¯t of much use. We only needed to eliminate the old man. ???: So, who¡¯s next? The Master: Ultra Academy. Five days later, a new director was appointed to Limitless Academy¡ªDirector Euron. Everyone believed the situation had calmed down, but just five days after Euron¡¯s appointment, the director of Ultra Academy was assassinated. The assassination of another director from the Five Great Academies heightened the fear among the people of Anastasia Kingdom. Even the King of the Kingdom of Ogrulia intensified security around their Great Academy and other institutions. However, it seemed the danger was closer than ever. Four Days After the Ultra Academy Director¡¯s Assassination 5:30 AM Langst: Director Euron. Euron: I told you not to speak to me so formally. We¡¯ve been friends for a long time. Langst: You¡¯re the director now. What we were doesn¡¯t matter anymore. Euron: Alright¡­ What is it you need? Langst: I need a day off today. Euron: A day off? But you know how tense things are. If something happens, you need to be here. Langst: The other teachers are here. They¡¯ll be sufficient if anything occurs. Euron: But¡ª Langst: Director¡­ please. Euron: F-Fine¡­ You can go. One of the staff will cover your duties for today. Langst: Thank you. 7:00 AM Leo: Huh? Where¡¯s Professor Langst? Staff Member: Langst took the day off. I¡¯ll be your instructor for today. Sai: What... Kinto: This is going to be even more boring¡­ Langst left the kingdom and continued his way until he reached a place with an abandoned house. He knocked on the door five times, and it opened. ?: Welcome, Langst. Come in. Langst entered to find that the house was spacious and clean inside. Langst: Is he awake, Fiorai? Fiorai: He just woke up. Langst sat on a chair, and five minutes later, another man entered the room and sat on a chair as well. ?: How are you, Langst? Langst: I¡¯m fine, Rivan. Rivan: Rivan? You haven¡¯t called me by that name in a long time. Langst: It¡¯s more fitting today since this¡­ is the last visit. Rivan: What?! You disappear for two years, and now you¡¯re saying this? Langst: I¡¯ve come for the last time. I don¡¯t want the kingdom to grow suspicious of me. Rivan: I see... Langst: Your words... Rivan: Do you believe me now? I told you this would happen. The assassinations of the directors¡­ what¡¯s coming will be even harder, What''s coming is tiring Langst: What about Yarasou? Rivan: If he reads that book, he¡¯ll come to me. But it seems he hasn¡¯t finished it yet. Don¡¯t you want to read it too? Langst: After you were exiled from the kingdom¡­ Rivan: ¡­ Langst began to cry and said: Rivan, you fool. If only you had listened to me in that moment¡­ Rivan: L-Langst¡­ Yarasou¡¯s Residence Yarasou (thinking): I stopped reading this book, but now, with two directors murdered¡­ Rivan, I don¡¯t want to believe your words... Yarasou resumed reading the book. Upon reaching a certain page, he was shocked by its contents and said: W-What¡­ Does this mean that... The dreamers Four Months Later Leo: Two months to go. Sai: This year feels so long. Leo: At least nothing dangerous has happened like at the start of the year. Sai: What do you think we¡¯ll learn in the second phase of our studies? Leo: I don¡¯t want to think about it¡­ Beatrix: How about we get some ice cream? Sai (thinking): The last time we got ice cream, we were interrupted for a Dymas mission... Leo: That¡¯s actually a good idea. The first Park Leo: Vanilla is the best. Sai: Chocolate is better. Beatrix: Silence! Milk flavor reigns supreme. Kinto: I agree with Sai. Sai: Where did you even come from... (Mary runs towards them.) Mary: Eating ice cream without me?! Leo smiles quietly as he watches them. 7:00 AM Langst: Students, we have a mission. Leo: Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s rescuing an old lady from the top of a building again¡­ Langst: This is an exploratory mission, Leo. There¡¯s a rural, abandoned village where strange phenomena have started to occur. Even the residents of neighboring villages report hearing voices from there. Mary: Are we stepping into a horror movie or what¡­ Kani: Feels like it. Langst: Of course not... Kyotai: Don¡¯t tell me we¡¯re going to travel there using our abilities again... Langst: That¡¯s exactly what we¡¯re going to do. Leo: Damn it¡­ Beatrix: Not again¡­ Langst: But this time, you won¡¯t help each other. Each of you must make it on your own. Kano: But how am I supposed to get there? Langst: Figure it out. Now, let¡¯s begin. Beatrix flies through the air. Kyotai creates a moving platform and wall behind him to push him forward. Garin jumps into the air, conjuring clouds of mist beneath him to leap from one to another. Karez creates a metal surface to glide on. Leo summons Betelus, but this time from the inside out. Kani looks at Langst and says... Kano: Professor, how am I supposed to do this? Langst: I said figure it out. Kano (thinking): How can I move with my ability? I can¡¯t create a moving tornado like Beatrix or clouds like Garin¡­ Wait, I¡¯ve got it! Sand gathers around Kano''s hands and launches to the ground, propelling him forward. Kano: This is amazing! Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Kani: Why not copy you a bit, Karez? Kani generates glass from her body and merges it to form a surface she can control using Shingen. Kani: If I lose control of the Shingen, I¡¯ll fall, right? So I won¡¯t lose control! Sai: While you¡¯re all flying with your abilities, I¡¯ll outrun you all on foot! Sai activates his enhancement ability and starts running at incredible speed. Kinto: Good thing I made a potion that enhances physical ability¡­ though I¡¯ll need to sleep for fifteen hours after it wears off. Kinto drinks the potion and begins running alongside Sai. Mary: I don¡¯t need any of that. The forest is my domain. Mary releases grappling hooks and uses them to swing between trees. Thanks to her agility, navigating the forest is effortless for her. Langst: You¡¯ve all improved greatly. I¡¯m proud of you. Langst begins running on foot like Sai and Kinto, but faster than all of them. Langst: At this rate, I¡¯ll beat you all. Hurry up, students! Kyotai: You¡¯ll never beat me. Kyotai increases the speed of his moving platform. Garin: Not really interested¡­ Leo: You won¡¯t beat me! The speed of Betelus increases. Sai: I¡¯m faster, Leo! Leo: No way! Kinto: I¡¯m not drinking another potion¡­ Kani: What¡¯s wrong with them¡­ Mary: I have no idea¡­ After a long journey, they reach the village. Langst tries to enter but is stopped by someone. Stranger: Stop right there. What do you want? Langst: I should be the one asking that. This village has been abandoned for ages. Why are you here? The stranger replies with anger starting to show on his face. "This village is no longer abandoned." Langst: How can I be sure of that? Stranger: Why should I answer you? Langst is about to respond, but an old man appears and intervenes. "Welcome. I¡¯m Warik, the mayor of this village. Forgive my son for his rudeness." Warik¡¯s Son: But, Father¡ª Warik: Silence. Langst: It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Mayor, but I have a few questions to ask. Warik: Of course. Follow me. They enter the village and see that it¡¯s full of life, with nothing indicating it was ever abandoned. Karez: There¡¯s no way this village was abandoned. Leo: It¡¯s full of life. Warik: We¡¯ve arrived. Kinto: What is this place? Warik: My house. Please, come in. Everyone enters Warik¡¯s house and is greeted by his wife. They sit in the living room, and Langst begins. Langst: Mayor, we¡¯ve known for years that this village was abandoned. How did it come back to life so suddenly? Warik: We are the original villagers. Langst: Does that mean you returned to the village? But how did you rebuild it so quickly? Warik: We didn¡¯t return to the village; we returned to life. Everyone is shocked by this revelation. Langst: M-Mayor, what do you mean by that?! Sai (thinking): They returned to life?! Mary (thinking): How is that even possible¡­ Warik: We are dreamers. Langst: Mayor, what does that mean? Warik: Some time ago, our Master came to the village. It was abandoned, and we were dead. But through his gift, we returned to life. Langst: What do you mean by dreamers, Mayor? Warik: Even I don¡¯t know. Our Master said we are dreamers, and when we asked him what it meant, he said, ¡°When you reach the required level, you¡¯ll understand.¡± Langst: Do you know his name, then? Warik: No one does. Langst: I see. Some soldiers will come to the village in two days for security purposes. I hope you¡¯ll cooperate. Warik: Of course. They¡¯re welcome anytime. Langst: We¡¯ll be leaving now. Warik: Wait, you¡¯re our guests. You shouldn¡¯t leave like this. Langst: I appreciate the hospitality, but we can¡¯t stay. Warik: We¡¯ve already prepared food. Sai: Food?! Kani: Professor, we can stay a little! Langst: Fine, fine... After a few minutes. Kani: Delicious. Sai: Very. Leo: Eat quietly¡­ After everyone enjoyed their time, they bid farewell to the village mayor and returned to the academy. Langst provided all the information he could gather to the kingdom''s security. The next morning, everyone woke up to shocking news: the village had been destroyed, and all its residents, "the dreamers," had vanished. --- Head of Security: How can you say it disappeared?! Employee: Sir, even I can¡¯t believe it, but the village was completely destroyed, leaving nothing but rubble. Head of Security: What is wrong with this year, for heaven¡¯s sake? (Thinking): Could the "Master" be involved in this matter? They said the Master brought them back to life with his gift. It''s a possibility. What exactly does this Master want? The Silent Prison Employee: Sir, the interrogation yesterday lasted six hours, but we couldn¡¯t get any answers. Should we continue? Head of Security: Yes. Employee: "Proceed." Torturer: So, which nail should I pull out today, Grace? Torturer: Hey, Alvis, should I pull out another tooth? Limitless Academy Mary: The teacher said today¡¯s lesson is special. Leo: Are we going to learn something new or what? Sai: We¡¯ll see. Kinto: If it¡¯s not interesting, I¡¯ll just sleep. Langst: Alright, students, today¡¯s lesson is special. You will meet the top three students in the academy. Leo (thinking): The top three? Mary (thinking): It really is a special lesson. Kinto (thinking): I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to close my eyes. Kyotai (thinking): If I defeat them, then I¡¯ll be the strongest, right? Langst: Silva, Kon, and Marin, please come in. The three enter the class, their aura alone making it clear they are on another level. Karez, Leo, and Kinto,(thinking): So, this is the level I need to surpass. Kon: How are you all doing, my brothers? Name: Kon Figran Ability: Engines Marin: You just met them, and you''re already calling them your brothers? Name: Marin Charlotte Ability: Transforming into animals Kon: What¡¯s wrong with that? Silva: Why do we even have to do this¡­? Name: Silva Reum Ability: Shadows Karez: Hey, Kon, how did you reach this level? Kon: Well...I...don¡¯t know¡­ Karez: Oh¡­ Leo: Your ability is shadows??? Silva: Yes. Leo: Mine is darkness! Silva: Darkness?... Leo: Isn¡¯t that a great coincidence? Silva: Yeah, a great coincidence. Beatrix: Two people with evil powers? Leo: I told you those are just childish stories¡­ Marin: Why are you two so quiet? Kano: W-We don¡¯t have anything to say... (Thinking): Too close¡­ Kani: Marin, your ability is transforming into animals? All animals? Marin: Yes, I can transform into all Animals. Kani: Amazing. Kinto: What¡¯s your ability? Kon: Engines. Kinto: Do you turn into a car? Kon: No¡­ Kyotai: Teacher! Langst: No, Kyotai...you can¡¯t. Kyotai: Teacher, I want to fight them. Langst: I told you, no¡­ Kon: Teacher, it¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t mind. Langst: If you insist... Training Building 3, 2, 1, Begin! Kyotai charges at Kon, attempting to punch him. He successfully lands a punch on Kon¡¯s stomach and tries again, hitting him a second time. Kyotai kicks Kon, but this time, Kon blocks it. Kon: Three hits are the limit. You couldn¡¯t defeat me. In a flash, Kon punches Kyotai in the stomach. The force of the punch sends Kyotai flying backward, knocking him to the ground, defeated. Garin: That fast? Leo: Seriously¡­ Sai: What kind of strength is this? Kinto: So this is the difference. Karez: He didn¡¯t even use his ability. Mary: And he beat him with just one punch. Kano: Can we even reach this level? Beatrix: We must reach it. Kani: Exactly. Kyotai: This isn¡¯t fair. How did you beat me?! Kon: Figure that out for yourself. Langst (thinking): The goal was for them to talk and learn from the top three, but this fight will benefit them as well. That night, everyone went to sleep, only to wake up to unexpected news. After four months of relative calm, the Headmaster of the great Academy, Titans, in the Kingdom of Ashansia, was assassinated. Reclassification head of Security: First Limitless, then Ultra, and now Titans¡­ That leaves only Zoo in Ogrulia and Lords in Great Nest. There''s nothing we can do¡­ Limitless Academy Beatrix: What the hell is happening in the world? Kano: I feel like I forgot something, but I don¡¯t know what it is¡­ Langst: Let¡¯s put the news aside for now. Today, you have an important lesson. Kani: An important lesson? Sai (thinking): What are we going to learn, I wonder? Langst: As we know, Shinta is divided into two main categories¡ªShinja and Shingin. But there is also a third category: Shinton. Garin: Shinton? Langst: A completely different category. It allows you to release Shinta outside of your body and shape it. It¡¯s mostly used for long-range attacks. Sai: But, sir, doesn¡¯t that mean it would be weaker than Shinja attacks? Langst: Of course, it¡¯s weaker. It¡¯s mainly used by those with low amounts of Shinta. But that¡¯s not all¡ªit can be extremely useful and powerful depending on how you use it. It also helps improve Shinta control, allowing you to use more techniques. Leo: Now it sounds very useful. Langst: Learning it will rapidly improve your Shinta level, as using it is not easy. That¡¯s why this is your last lesson. You must master it within these two months! Everyone: Understood! Days pass, and the students of both classes train, trying to use Shinton. After three days¡­ Kyotai (thinking): Shinta moves through the nerves, which means I can release Shinton from almost anywhere in my body. But it¡¯s best to release it from places I can see to avoid misfiring. Kyotai successfully uses Shinton, astonishing the class. At the same time, someone from Class A also masters it. Neron: That was faster than I expected. Name: Neron Ryum Ability: ??? Two days later, Leo also manages to use Shinton. Gradually, the students of both classes adapt to it. However, the last two to master it were Mary and Kani. Two Months Later ¨C talk Hall Leo: Finally, we¡¯re finishing this academic year. Sai: It felt so long. Mary: I want to go back to my family¡­ Kento: you guys are always complaining This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Eight students from Class A enter the discussion hall. Neron: Damian. Damian: What? Name: Damian Vander Ability: Wind Neron: What do you think our ranks will be after the reclassification? Damian: Who knows Their classmate Zalen joins the conversation. Zalen: You¡¯ll probably be in the top ranks. Name: Zalen Invizil Ability: Invisibility Brika: Most likely, Itor and I will be at the bottom. Itor: How can you be so sure¡­? Name: Itor Kyurin Ability: Mercury Damian: It¡¯s okay. You¡¯re doing your best. Their classmate, Siron, speaks up. Siron: Damian, weaklings stay weak. Don¡¯t pity them too much. Name: Siron Silver Ability: Electricity Damian (sarcasticly): Shut up. Their other classmates, Arkan and Kaiser, join in. Arkan: Siron Silver, you never stop talking like that, do you? Name: Arkan Wyn Ability: Water Kaiser: Can we stop this? Name: Kaiser Lavalik Ability: Lava The last two students from Class B enter the talk hall¡ªArian and Hakan. Hakan: Damian, you¡¯re here. Name: Hakan Seiza Ability: Gambling Arian: Of course, he is. Today is the reclassification. Name: Arian Airbo Ability: Hardening Leo: Reclassification?¡­ Sai: Really¡­? Kani: I didn¡¯t know about this¡­ Beatrix: Me neither¡­ Mary: Seriously, none of you knew¡­? Damian: Beatrix. Beatrix: Huh? Do I know you? Damian: I¡¯m ranked fourth, and I also use wind like you. Beatrix: Same rank and same ability. That¡¯s interesting. Damian: You¡¯re from another kingdom, aren¡¯t you? Beatrix: That¡¯s right. The curtains open, revealing Karon and the instructors, Langst and Griff. Karon: Welcome, dear students. As you know, today marks the end of your first academic stage. To commemorate this, we will be conducting the reclassification. But this reclassification will evaluate all of your skills. In other words, this ranking will determine your true power levels. Damian: Isn¡¯t it just supposed to be a ranking of our Shinta levels¡­? Garin: This will help us better determine our ranks and organize ourselves.(thinking: I won¡¯t even be in the top three¡­) Leo: Let¡¯s see how much we¡¯ve improved. Sai: Yeah. Damian: Let¡¯s see how far we¡¯ve come, Neron. Neron (thinking): I will make you proud, Merin¡­ Karez: What do we have to do for the reclassification? A test or something? Karon: The ranking is already done. Hakan: What? Karon: Your progress throughout the year and our continuous observations of you have determined your ranks. In other words, the reclassification test has been ongoing all year. The entire group is shocked by this news¡ªwho would have thought the exam had been ongoing all year long. Zalin (thinking): So the test had been running throughout the entire year... Mary (thinking): As far as I know, no other academy has ever done something like this. Karon: We already know the previous ranking. Class A | Class B 1st Place: Niron Ryum | Garin Lavalik 2nd Place: Kaiser Lavalik | Kyotai Wyn 3rd Place: Arkan Wyn | Karez Lavalik 4th Place: Damian Vander | Beatrix Linlin 5th Place: Siron Silver | Kano Wyn 6th Place: Hakan Seza | Kani Wyn 7th Place: Zalin Invezil | Leo Vitalit 8th Place: Arian Airbo | Kento Shinga 9th Place: Itor Kyurin | Sai Vitalit 10th Place: Brika Dolman | Mary Litari Karon: As for your new, comprehensive ranking¡­ 1st Place: Niron Ryum | 11th Place: Arian Airbo 2nd Place: Kyotai Wyn | 12th Place: Kaiser Lavalik 3rd Place: Damian Vander | 13th Place: Beatrix Linlin 4th Place: Karez Lavalik | 14th Place: Siron Silver 5th Place: Leo Vitalit | 15th Place: Zalin Invezil 6th Place: Hakan Seza | 16th Place: Kano Wyn 7th Place: Kento Shinga | 17th Place: Mary Litari 8th Place: Garin Lavalik | 18th Place: Itor Kyurin 9th Place: Sai Vitalit | 19th Place: Kani Wyn 10th Place: Arkan Wyn | 20th Place: Brika Dolman Niron: You''ve moved up, Damian. Damian: You''re still first, though. Garin smiles at Karez and says: Karez, your efforts have paid off. Karez responds, somewhat disappointed: But you''re in eighth place... Garin: It¡¯s fine¡ªbetter than dropping lower. Arian says: Looks like the "weakling" has surpassed you, Siron. Siron: Shut up. Hakan (smiling): So, I stayed in sixth place. Leo turns to Sai and says: It was a long year, but the result is satisfying. Sai: We¡¯re closer to our goal. Kento, annoyed: How are you still ranked higher than me?! Leo smirks: Because you¡¯re weak. Kento: Fight me! Kani: My ranking dropped... Kano: It¡¯s okay¡ªyou did your best. Beatrix: We¡¯ve moved up. Mary: That¡¯s reassuring. Sai: Good job, Mary. Zalin: That was expected. Itor: Brika¡­ Brika: I know¡­ Kaiser: A big drop, but I guess that¡¯s fine. Kyotai:.....Second.... Karon steps back as Director Yuron enters. Yuron: At the beginning of the year, you stood here as well. But now, you are ten times stronger. We are proud of you. We¡¯ll see you again in four months, dear students. Garin smiles and says: I honestly don¡¯t know what to say right now. Leo: I think that¡¯s everything. The students leave the talk hall. At the academy¡¯s exit, Langst and Griff stand to bid their students goodbye. Langst: I don¡¯t like these moments, but¡­ I¡¯m proud of you. Kento: I didn¡¯t expect to hear that from you. Class B laughs, while Griff also speaks to his own students. After their goodbyes, the students leave the academy¡ªLeo and Sai return home, Kento returns to his family''s mansion, Mary returns to the Elf City, and Garin and Karez head to the Lavalik Clan¡¯s estate. Kani and Kano go home as well, while Kyotai and Beatrix return to their homeland. Unknown Location The Master: Ajin, Merin, have you completed your mission? Ajin: Yes, sir. The Master: Then let¡¯s begin. Heyy, here is the author talking?? This is the 9th chapter which i feel is cool so i have to say something I''m an arabic author and this means english isn''t my first language so there must be a lot of misspellings or weird things here and there but i will try to make this novel enjoyable enough????. Meeting of the Kings In a tavern in a poor city, the Spoofius Tavern, The old tavern owner sits reading the newspaper. One of the patrons approaches him and says: "Old man, it''s that time of the year, isn''t it?" The old man replies indifferently, "Yes." The man speaks again, "Do you think the Kings¡¯ Assembly will happen this year?" The old man answers, "I don¡¯t know. It doesn¡¯t matter anyway." The man asks, "Your tavern is called Spoofius, yet you say nothing matters. What if the assembly is held and war breaks out?" The old man replies, "If war breaks out, it will be foolishness. Those five fight among themselves, and the people are the victims. A woman waiting for her husband, a mother waiting for her son, children waiting for their fathers¡ªall of them are dead." The drunken man, unaware of what he is saying, responds, "Isn¡¯t that what makes us stronger?" The old man turns with a weary look and whispers, "If this is strength, then the world is doomed." --- In the Throne Room of Anastasia Kingdom The king¡¯s advisor enters with important news. Advisor: "Your Majesty, it is time to vote on the Kings¡¯ Assembly. Please make your decision." The king thinks for a moment before responding, "I approve." --- Ogrolia Kingdom ¨C Throne Room King: "I approve." --- Great Nest Kingdom ¨C Throne Room Queen: "I approve." --- Ashansia Kingdom ¨C Throne Room King: "I reject." --- Varsian Kingdom ¨C Throne Room King: "I reject." --- Back at Spoofius Tavern The patron speaks again to the old man, "Do you know how the assembly is held?" The old man replies, "By majority vote." The old man turns the newspaper page and sees that the assembly has been approved. He says, "Strange¡­ The assembly hasn¡¯t been held for decades." The drunken man, on the verge of passing out, mutters, "Are you going to die now, Ibra?" --- Leo¡¯s Family Home Leo and Sai sit with their parents, Sena and Barden. Leo: "The assembly has been approved?" Sai: "Since we were born, not a single assembly has been held." Barden: "Nor in our time." Sena: "It¡¯s strange." Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. --- City of Heiji Kani: "I wonder what happens in these meetings." Kano: "Old men¡¯s discussions aren¡¯t interesting." --- Green Road Kingdom Kyotai: "So, the assembly is happening." --- East of Anastasia Kingdom Zalen: "It will begin next week." --- Yarasou¡¯s sits silent in his house while reading the news. --- Lavalik family Mansion Karez and Garin talk to their grandfather. Karez: "Do you really think what you''re doing is right?! A child not having a certain ability is not something they can control. Can''t you understand how cruel your actions are, Akin?!" Akin: "Calling your grandfather by his name? You haven¡¯t changed at all, Karez." Karez: "What are you going to do? Kick us out, Garin and me?" Garin: "It¡¯s not like kicking us out would affect us anyway." Akin: "Karez." Karez: "Generation after generation, you do the same thing. I¡¯m surprised your bloodline still exists, given how random Shinta abilities are. I can¡¯t believe the Lava ability has kept appearing in your lineage for so many generations." Akin: "Karez, Garin, you don¡¯t understand." Karez: "And I don¡¯t want to know anything about your dark history." Akin: "You don¡¯t understand how Shinta works." Karez: "Huh?" Garin: "We already know." Akin: "There is a 25% chance that a child will have the same ability as their father or a similar one, and a 25% chance they will inherit their mother¡¯s ability. The remaining 50% is the chance of them developing a completely different ability." Karez: "W-what?" Garin: "...." Akin: "Sometimes, Shinta behaves strangely. One percentage dominates another. Perhaps that¡¯s what people call an anomaly." Garin: "But that doesn¡¯t explain why you only want the Lava ability." Akin: "I only let you stay in this mansion because you helped saving us. Don¡¯t think you can change anything." A heavy silence fills the room. Karez starts feeling hopeless. Garin: "Let¡¯s go." Both leave the room, their spirits crushed. --- In an Alleyway Silva: "Kento?" Kento: "What are you doing here...?" Silva: "They said there was a thief in this district, so they sent me." Kento: "So you¡¯ve graduated?" Silva: "That¡¯s right. I¡¯m officially part of the kingdom¡¯s forces now." Kento: "What about Kon and Marin?" Silva: "They returned to their home kingdoms." Kento: "I see¡­ I¡¯m leaving." Silva: "Where to?" Kento: "Home." Silva: "Be careful on your way." --- Two and a Half Hours Later ¨C 10:00 PM (Knocking on the door) Sena: "Who would come at this late hour?" Sai opens the door and is shocked. Sai: "Kento?!" Kento: "It¡¯s raining. Let me in." --- Silent Prison One of the workers, Horus, contacts the head of security. Horus: "Sir, we¡¯ve tried almost everything, but they won¡¯t talk." Head of Security: "What kind of loyalty do they have?" Horus: "Since we¡¯ve reached this point, should we request Lady Maria¡¯s assistance?" Head of Security: "That¡¯s our last resort. She will arrive in the morning." Leo''s home Kento: "I got kicked out." Leo: "Huh? Why?" Kento: "You don¡¯t need to know." Leo: "Oh, come on..." Sai: "But coming to us means we''re close to you." Kento: "Absolutely not. I just needed a place to stay for these four months!" Sai and Leo respond sarcastically. "Just admit it." "Are you shy?" Kento: "I''m going to kill you both..." 8:00 AM Horus: "Welcome, lady Maria." Maria: "Stop calling me "lady." Horus: "Please, follow me." Maria (thinking): "He¡¯s completely ignoring me, this arrogant man..." As Maria enters the prison, two guards, Ethan and his friend Kevin, talk. Ethan: "Why is Lady Maria so important?" Kevin: "You seriously don¡¯t know? She possesses the strongest sealing ability in the kingdom. She can seal and unseal anything." Ethan: "Well, that explains her importance. Doesn''t that mean they suspect one of the prisoners to have a seal?" Kevin: "I think so." Inside the Prison Horus: "These two¡ªAlvis and Grace." Maria: "There are some kind of seals. Give me some time. These seals aren¡¯t as simple as I thought. Ron, Ren, Ran, Rom, Rem, Ram, Hon, Hin, Han..." Normal seals only require ''Ron,'' but for this one to need all of these..." Horus: "I haven¡¯t seen something like this in a long time." Maria: "Whoever placed these seals is no ordinary person." Horus: "That makes things even more complicated." Alvis speaks with difficulty. "Lavalik..." Horus: "You finally spoke." Alvis: "They threw me away, left me in the trash... I won¡¯t forgive them... I will kill them..." Not horus nor maria uttered a word. Maria: "Anyway, what was placed on them was a speech seal. There were certain words or phrases they couldn¡¯t say. But now, after breaking the seal, they can speak freely." Horus: "Thank you." (Thinking): "So that¡¯s why he kidnapped the clan..." Alvis and Grace: "your m-" The moment they attempt to say the word, their bodies suddenly explode. Horus quickly uses his defensive Shingen to shield himself and Maria. Maria (shocked): "W-What just happened" Horus: "your m? Your m what?? They didn¡¯t even finish the word!" Maria: "That wasn¡¯t a seal." Horus: "What?" Maria: "There was no other seal that would cause them to explode upon speaking certain words. The only thing placed on them was a speech restriction." Horus: "Then it must be an ability." Two staff members rush in to check on Horace and Maria. Staff Member: "Sir! What happened??" Horus: "Take Maria outside." 8:10 AM Head of Security: "What?? They exploded??" Horace: "Yes, sir." Head of Security: "your m?..." Horace: "Maybe the same thing would¡¯ve happened to their companion, Alex, if he were still alive." Head of Security: "That¡¯s right. We have no choice but to wait for the Kings'' Summit." Lavalik Family mansion Karez: "I¡¯m really starting to lose hope." As the two continue walking, they encounter¡ª Kaiser: "Karez?" Karez: "Kaiser?" Garin: "Were you outside the palace?" Kaiser: "Yeah, I went somewhere with a friend." Garin: "And here I was wondering why we hadn¡¯t seen you all day." Kaiser: "So, what¡¯s the result?" Karez: "We failed..." Kaiser:"As expected. But look at the bright side¡ªyou get to enjoy the palace." Garin: "That¡¯s probably bright for you." Karez: "At least you¡¯re not like them, Kaiser." Kaiser: "I only accept compliments from women." Kingdom of Withrian Beatrix: "Nothing new..." Leo''s home Sina: "A glass of water and one apple." Barden: "Then he starts training." Sai: "Does he want to die?" Leo: "Probably." Outside the house, Kento trains in the cold. He starts remembering what happened in his family¡¯s palace. Two Days Ago Kento enters the palace to see his father, Flame, standing before him. Flame: "Do you think you can just walk in here after disobeying your mother and me?" Kento: "What are you going to do? Expel me? That¡¯s expected from you, after all." Flame: "You disobeyed us, defied our traditions, ran away from the palace, and joined an academy. You are not welcome here." Kento: "Your traditions... Sitting comfortably in your palaces, banning anyone from becoming a warrior. You''ve been useless since ancient times." Flame: "Watch your tongue!" Kento: "I used to despise the weak. I saw them as nothing. But unexpectedly, I grew attached to them. They made me understand things more clearly. The real nobodies aren¡¯t the weak, but the royals like you." Flame: "Guards, take him out." Kento: "Damn on the royals." The Present Kento (thinking): "I¡¯ll rest for a bit..." Five Days Later In a house, a young girl speaks with her father. "Daddy, daddy! What¡¯s this meeting everyone is talking about?" The father replies "It¡¯s a summit between the kings of the five great kingdoms." The girl repeats in surprise, "Between the kings?" The mother asks "Do you know when the law requiring this meeting was established?" The father answers "Yes, it was enacted 500 years after the Blood War¡ª1,500 years ago." Mother: "I see." Meeting of the kings 2 In the Palace of the King of Anastasia The four kings arrived for the meeting, accompanied by their guards. King of Ashansia: Agnarius Hevesta King of Ogrulia: Ragnor Gurel Queen of Great Nest: Vespa Nis King of Farsian: Zodiac Death Agnarius: "It has been a long time, Zodiac." Zodiac: "Agnarius, I didn¡¯t expect this kings meeting." Ragnor: "Vespa." Vespa: "I know." At that moment, the King of Anastasia, Altron Romanov, appeared to welcome them, standing beside his guard, Yarasou Vitalis. Altron: "Welcome. After 90 years, this is probably our first meeting as rulers. I hope this will be a beneficial meeting for all of us. Now, please, come inside, my colleagues." The kings entered the meeting room alone while their guards remained outside. Yarasou smirked while thinking: "What are you planning, Your Majesty?" The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Altron: "Now, let the meeting begin." Agnarius: "I did not approve of this meeting, so I will not speak." Zodiac: "Nor will I." Ragnor: "That leaves the three of us." A moment of silence filled the room as Vespa and Ragnor exchanged glances. Vespa: "King of Anastasia, Altron Romanov, as you know, three heads of major academies¡ªLimitless, Ultra, and Titans¡ªhave been assassinated." Ragnor: "Also, the abduction of the Lavalik clan and the assassination of Goto Ryuk, the Hero of Ogrulia." Vespa: "And some unusual activities occurring in Great Nest." Altron: "The entire world is in turmoil. Even if nothing severe has happened in the other kingdoms, events of this magnitude in the Five Great Kingdoms will leave other nations confused and concerned. This will also impact inter-kingdom relations, leading to a decline in trade as other nations seek to ensure their safety." Ragnor: "Despite this, there have also been disappearances and assassinations of powerful warriors in Atlantis and Sky." Vespa: "The person behind all this is no ordinary individual. Saying otherwise would be the height of foolishness." Altron says teasingly: "To what extent do you think this person''s danger reaches, Your Majesty?" Vespa: "I am not certain, but it could be 50% of the power of the Engels Kingdom during the Blood War 2,000 years ago." Altron: "Are you saying that a threat half as dangerous as the one that once united the world against it now exists?" Vespa: "Yes." Altron: "50% is by no means a small percentage." Vespa and Ragnor: "That is why we agreed to this meeting." Altron: "Were you certain that I would agree, or were you merely clinging to hope?" Vespa: "We knew you would agree because you want to ensure the survival of the Eternal Kingdom¡ªAnastasia." Altron: "Then you desire the same as I do." Ragnor: "Let us set aside our past and form an alliance." Vespa: "For the sake of our kingdoms." Altron: "For the sake of the world." Leo''s Home Leo: An alliance? Sai: Three kingdoms? Kinto: Strange. Sina: This is new to us. Lavalik Family¡¯s Palace Karez: Anastasia, Ogrulia, and Great Nest? Garin: Does this mean we can travel to those two kingdoms? Karez: Probably. Hiji City Kani: It¡¯s good that it ended peacefully. I was expecting something terrible to happen. Kano is sighing The Elf City Mary: Mother, they have formed an alliance. East in Anastasia Zalin: It won¡¯t benefit me anyway. Casino Hakan: I¡¯ve lost almost all my money. Enough gambling for today. Can¡¯t this alliance give me some cash? Sky Kingdom Brika: What do you think, Itor? Itor: It¡¯s not important to me. Green Road Kingdom Kyotai: An alliance? Interesting. Withrian Kingdom Beatrix: Something new. As Beatrix sat there, a familiar figure approached her. Damian: Looks like we meet again. Beatrix: You¡¯re that guy from Class A. Damian: That¡¯s right. Anastasia Kingdom Neron washed his face, took a deep breath, and muttered: Neron: Ashansia¡­. Before the beginning After four months 5:00 AM Sina: "Leo, Sai, wake up, come on... I think I''m going to eat all the food." Leo and Sai: "We''re awake!" Sina: "Good boys." They both get up, and after a few minutes, they head to the kitchen. Barden: "Kento woke up before you guys." Sai: "Does he have an alarm in his mind?" Leo: "I think so." Kento: "Anyone who wakes up late is a failure." Leo: "Wrong, anyone who doesn''t become a Sacred Warrior is the failure." Barden: "Are you calling us failures?" Leo: N-No, of course not. Sai and Sina laugh. After eating, Barden and Sina bid farewell to the three Sai: "What do you think we''ll learn?" Kento: "I wish I knew." Leo: "I won¡¯t say it¡¯s beginner stuff this time..." Sai: "we haven''t seen everyone in a long time." Leo: "I''m looking forward to seeing them." The three arrive at the academy''s lake and find everyone by the lake, with their teacher, Langst, in front of them. Sai: "Mary!" Mary: "You guys finally arrived!" Leo: "How are you?" Mary: "I''m fine, it''s been four months already." Sai: "It went by quickly." Mary: "So Kento is with you?" Leo: "He was staying with us." Kento: "Shut up." Garin: "We missed you guys!" Karez: "very." Sai: "We missed you too." Leo: "I missed this feeling." Kani: "How are you?" Kano: "It''s been a while." Sai: "Kani, Kano, I haven¡¯t seen you!" Leo: "How are you?" Kano: "We''re fine." Sai: "Where''s Kyotai?" Mary: "He''s sitting over there." Sai: "This guy made a chair with his ability..." Kento: "It''s good to see you all alive, so I can kill you all." Everyone laughs, and they talk about their experiences during the break while waiting for the last two students, Hakan and Beatrix. Brika: "Sai! How are you?" Sai: "Brika? I''m fine, what about you?" Brika: "I''m good. I haven¡¯t seen you for four months. I missed you." Sai, smiling: "Thanks for saying that." Hakan and Beatrix arrive. Leo: "Beatrix!" Beatrix: "Everyone''s here." Leo: "Of course." Langst: "Now that you''re all gathered, I''ll explain why you''re out here. Grif is sick, so he didn''t come today. As for why you''re here, the second academic year won¡¯t be in the academy, and you won¡¯t have a teacher. You¡¯ll go out into the world and put everything you¡¯ve learned in the academy to the test." Both classes are shocked by this statement; no one has heard of anything like this before. Langst: "And of course, you can never go back to your homes. If you do, you''ll be expelled. As for food and other things, rely on yourselves." Leo: "Huh?" Damian: "This is new..." Beatrix: "This academy is crazy..." Sai: "But it¡¯s a great idea." Itor, to himself: "How is this great..." Kaiser: "I agree with you. We can explore new places completely without any restrictions." Hakan: "This will be fun." To himself: "Now I can gamble in new places!" Langst: "You can only split into two teams. Any more than that will cause the separated class to be expelled. Now, go!" The two classes start moving with no specific direction. Langst, to himself: "I¡¯ll be watching you." After a little walking, Yarasu appears in front of them, along with Fyorai. Yarasu: "Hello." Leo: "Test director?!" Sai: "What are you doing here, old man?" Yarasu: "I¡¯m in my twenties..." Kento: Is this a surprise or what? Neron: "The head director of the Academies of the kingdom, is there something you need us for?" Yarasu: "Learn some manners from him, anyway, I want to take you with me." The students are surprised by this sudden request. Siron speaks. Siron: "Why?" Arkan: "Will we benefit from going with you?" Stolen story; please report. Yarasu: "You¡¯ll undergo training like nothing you''ve ever seen before." Siron: "The teacher said we could split into two teams, so I won¡¯t go." Arkan: "Neither will I." Yarasu: "I won¡¯t force anyone. If you don¡¯t want to come, are you sure about your current level?" Siron: "Of course." Arkan: "Definitely." Yarasu: "What about the rest of you?" Everyone: "We¡¯ll come." Yarasu: "It¡¯s decided. You two are just side characters in the story of this kingdom." Arkan: "Huh??!" Fyorai opens a portal with her ability. Yarasu: "come with me." Yarasu and the others, except for Siron and Arkan, step through, and then the portal closes. Yarasu: "I¡¯m here, Rivan." Rivan: "I thought you¡¯d be late. So these are the students?" Yarasu: "Yes." Kaiser: "Who is this?" Yarasu: "Your trainer, but no one must know about this training, not even the academy." Beatrix: "I¡¯m starting to suspect you¡¯re going to kill us." Mary: "Are you bad guys?" Sai: "Possibly." Kento: "Do you think the villain is going to admit they¡¯re a villain?" Leo: "Possibly." Brika: "Shut up..." Yarasu: "If we wanted to kill you, you¡¯d all be dead already.'' Zalen:" Good news..." Kano: "Now what?" Yarasu: "Rivan will explain it to you." Rivan: "The topic is simple. There are 9 fighting styles. Hand combat. Foot combat. Claw combat. Sword combat. Dual sword combat. Bicephar combat. Dagger combat. Bow combat. Spear combat. Nine combat styles, these are the most commonly used. There are more, but not many people use them. Not because they¡¯re useless, but because they¡¯re not designed for everyone. You need to choose a combat style to train in. You can choose a style for a weapon you haven¡¯t used before, and we will teach you from scratch." The students are amazed by Rivan¡¯s words, even getting a little excited. Leo: "This is really amazing." Damian: "Combat styles, interesting." Garin: "I wonder what their use is." Rivan: "You¡¯ll find out soon." Itor: "Excuse me, but what is Bicephar?" Garin: "It¡¯s a name meaning a two-headed sword, like the one I have." Leo: "Well then, when do we start?" Yarasu: "Leo, you¡¯ll come with me." Leo: "Huh?" Yarasu: "I¡¯m your trainer." Leo: "Just me?" Yarasu: "Yes." Leo: "Why?" Yarasu: "You¡¯ll see." Kento: "It¡¯s good you won¡¯t annoy me." Leo: "Shut up!" Yarasu: "Now, I¡¯ll leave. Leo will return to you after two months. After two months, everyone should have finished their training." Everyone: "Okay!" Yarasu''s House Yarasu: "Be careful with what I¡¯m about to say. Your room is on the second floor, next to the closet and kitchen on your left, and the bathroom is at the end of the house. Understood?" Leo: "Yes..." Yarasu: "Now follow me. We¡¯re going to the basement." Leo: "Huh? Why? Are we going to fix the water pipes or something?" Yarasu: "Of course not... just follow me." The two of them go down to the basement, where Yarasu opens a door to reveal a large empty area beneath his house. Leo: "This is the size of my village... no, it¡¯s even bigger." Yarasu: "Really?" Leo: "Yes... Why do you have such a large space in the first place?" Yarasu: "I used to train here years ago, or sometimes escape from certain people." Leo: "Who are they?" Yarasu: "i wouldn''tlike to talk about it." Leo: "Alright, did you need all this space for training?" Yarasu: "Yes, that¡¯s why my house is in an isolated area, so I have a huge space." Leo: "But what¡¯s your ability? What kind of ability needs all this space?" Yarasu: "My ability is ice." Leo: "Ice? Do you really need all this?" Yarasu: "Many abilities are very powerful, but they lack a strong user." Leo: "I see..." Yarasu: "Now, let¡¯s begin." Rivan''s House Rivan opens the door to one of the rooms, revealing a dark space. Rivan: "Come in." Rivan and the students enter, and the candles on the walls light up, allowing everyone to see a subterranean passage. Karez: "What is this place?" Rivan: "It¡¯s where you will train." Nine doors open in front of them. Rivan: "Behind each door, there¡¯s a person who will teach you a specific fighting style. You won¡¯t leave until you¡¯ve mastered it. Now, choose." Sai: "We won¡¯t leave¡­" Mary: "We¡¯ll definitely be kidnapped." Neron: "If they want to kidnap us, the mission will be complete." Mary: "You¡¯re right. What¡¯s your name again?" Neron: "Neron." Kinto: "I¡¯ll choose the dagger style." Garin: "I¡¯ll choose the Bicephar style." Sai: "The hand fighting style." Neron: "The dual sword style." Mary: "The bow style." Kani: "I¡¯ll also choose the bow style." Damian: "The claw style." Zalen: "The hand fighting style." Brika: "The spear style." Itor: "The foot fighting style." Kano: "The hand fighting style." Arian: "The hand fighting style as well." Hakan: "The foot fighting style." Kaiser: "The spear style." Kyotai: "The sword style." Rivan: "And you two?" Beatrix: "Do you have training for using weapons that enhance abilities?" Rivan: "Of course. What about you?" Karez: "I think I¡¯ll need to train my ability more now." Rivan: "Alright, you two will stay here with me, while the others go in." Everyone enters the door for the fighting style they chose. Yarasu''s House Yarasu: "What are your techniques?" Leo: "There aren¡¯t many. I can shape things like the other nature abilities, and the thing I form most is a bird I named Betelus. I can also cover my hands and sword." Yarasu: "I mean combat techniques for your ability¡­" Leo: "Oh! I only have two: Gravitational Pull and Black Hole. I invented them at the academy." Yarasu: "Use them." Leo: "Alright." Leo uses Gravitational Pull to cover his hand in darkness. Shadows form into ropes that pull everything. Yarasu: "This is good. It will be useful to you. What about the other one?" Leo uses Black Hole, and the darkness from his feet spreads over the ground. Leo: "The Black Hole traps anyone within its range." Yarasu: "Good, but these are supportive techniques. They don¡¯t cause damage. Don¡¯t you have an offensive technique?" Leo: "I have one, but #######" Yarasu: "What about a defensive one?" Leo: "I don¡¯t think I have a defensive technique¡­" Yarasu: "I see. We¡¯ll work on creating offensive and defensive techniques now." Leo: "That¡¯s exactly what I need right now." Training Cave Sai, Zalen, and Arian enter the hand fighting style room, where a person introduces themselves as one. Sai: "Is this your school rank?" One: "No, it¡¯s my name." Sai: "Oh, sorry." Zalen, to himself: "I didn¡¯t know anyone¡¯s name was One." Arian: "Do the other trainers also have number names?" Foot Combat Room Hakan: "Two?" Itor: "So your name is Two¡­" Claw Combat Room Damian: "Nice to meet you, Three." Sword Combat Room Kyotai: "Four?" Dual Sword combat Room Neron: "Five¡­" Bicephar Combat Room Garin: "Six. Unique name." Dagger Combat Room Kinto: "Seven? This reminds me of someone." Bow Combat Room Mary: "Eight, huh?" Kani: "I hope we¡¯re not really going to be kidnapped." Eight: "I won¡¯t kidnap you¡­" Spear Combat Room Brika: "Nine? Does that mean you¡¯re the weakest?" Nine: "No, the numbers don¡¯t represent our strength." Rivan''s House Rivan, Fyori, Karez, and Beatrix leave the house and go to an empty field nearby. Karez: "Are we going to train here?" Beatrix: "It¡¯s a good place." Rivan: "Let¡¯s begin the training!" Hand Combat Room One: "Hand combat doesn¡¯t just focus on physical strength." Arian: "Does it focus on toughness?" One: "That¡¯s one aspect. This style requires agility similar to assassins. You won¡¯t be an assassin, of course, but you need their lightness." Zalen: "I see..." Sai: "Why did you come here, Zalen?" Zalen: "I¡¯m weak in direct combat, so I thought this would be the best option." Foot Combat Room Two: "Since you¡¯re here, I assume your hand combat is of average level." Itor: "I think so." Two: "If you can learn this style, you¡¯ll be able to fight in a more innovative way against your enemies." --- Claw Combat Room Three: "What¡¯s your ability?" Damian: "Wind." Three: "Do you fight from a distance most of the time?" Damian: "Yes, that¡¯s why I¡¯m here. To improve in close combat." Three: "Why didn¡¯t you go to the hand combat room then?" Damian: "I felt the claw style was different and more suited to me than hand combat." Three: "A feeling, huh? Good. The claw style also allows you to fight from medium range, not just close, but it¡¯s harder to learn than hand combat." Damian: "I¡¯ll learn it for sure." Three: "That¡¯s the spirit." Sword Combat Room Four: "I see you don¡¯t have a sword. Do you make it from your ability? What¡¯s your ability?" Kyotai: "My ability is walls, and no, I don¡¯t make it from my ability. I¡¯ve never fought with a sword." Four: "Then you¡¯ll need to learn from scratch." Kyotai: "I know." Four: "Do you think you can learn this style in just two months? People need years to even fight a little with a sword, and you want to learn both the style and the combat?" Kyotai: "I will master using the sword and learn the fighting style before the two months are up." Four: "Big words." Dual Sword Combat Room Five: "What¡¯s your ability?" Neron: "I don¡¯t want to say." Five: "Alright, have you used a sword before?" Neron: "I trained with a sword when I was young, but I¡¯ve never used two." Five: "It¡¯s good that you can use a sword; that will make things easier." Baisifar Combat Room Six: "I see you¡¯re already using Bicephar." Garin: "For a while now." Six: "That means we can start with advanced techniques." Garin: "Good." Dagger Combat Room Seven: "Shinga?" Kinto: "Yes, Kinto Shinga." Seven: "I didn¡¯t expect any of them to want to become warriors." Kinto: "That¡¯s not why I came here." Seven: "Alright, alright, how long have you been using daggers?" Kinto: "I started using daggers when I was six." Seven: "What does a child do with daggers..." Bow Combat Room Mary: "I use a bow." Kani: "I haven¡¯t used one." Eight: "You can train with it or without it. The bow style doesn¡¯t just focus on the bow." Kani: "Huh?" Mary: "What do you mean?" Eight: "You¡¯ll understand with time." Spear Combat Room Nine: "Wings? Can you fly?" Brika: "Of course." Nine: "Yeah, sure, what a stupid question. Anyway, are you ready?" Brika: Of course I''m ready, everyone here is determined to learn his chosen fighting style in just two months, if I can''t learn my chosen fighting style as well, I''ll be useless Nine: you have a wonderful determination, keep it Training Grounds Karez: "Although my ability is magnetism, sometimes it behaves differently." Riven: "Magnetism? That''s a great ability. Is your Shinta level not enough to control it well?" Karez: "No, I can use it well, but sometimes it feels like it''s not magnetism." Riven: "I see." Beatrix: "I use weapons to support my abilities." Fyorai: "Your ability is wind, so it should be easy to use." Beatrix: "I know, I use my ability easily, but I don''t know how to use it for offense. I learned a few things from Damian, since he also uses wind abilities, but what I learned isn''t enough." Fyorai: "Do you read comic books?" Beatrix: "Yes!" Fyorai: "Why don''t you try using abilities like those of comic book characters? You don''t lack power, you lack the imagination to create techniques." Beatrix: "That''s a great idea!" Yarasu''s House Yarasu: "Your ability gives you many options for offense, defense, and even support, but I assume it''s weaker during the day or in well-lit areas." Leo: "Yes, it is." Yarasu: "This means the best environment for your ability is dark places or at night." Leo: "Moreover, my ability allows me to see in the dark." Yarasu: "That gives you a complete advantage in darkness." Leo: "But it''s not easy to make someone fight in the dark." Yarasu: "Indeed, it''s easier to fight at night. Controlling your ability is difficult, so it''s best to improve your control over Shinta." Leo: "I will complete my Shinta control training in one week." Yarasu: "Your confidence is high." Leo: "Of course." Limitless Academy Langst: "Go to sleep, Grif, I''ll enter now." Grif: "Thank you." Langst enters a room, which appears to be a student observation room. Using espionage magic, the academy is able to monitor the students, and now it''s Langst''s turn to observe. Langst, to himself: "They went west? It seems they''re really about to leave the kingdom. Also, Siron and Arkan haven''t returned with them yet... Wait, Grif isn''t skilled at sensing Shinta, but I can sense it clearly. The Shinta from the students is weaker than usual! Don''t tell me he did this..." Langst contacts Elizabeth to come and monitor the students in his place, then exits the academy heading somewhere. Twenty minutes later Yarasu''s House Yarasu senses Shinta outside his house. Yarasu: "Leo, I''ll be back soon." Leo: "Okay...?..." Yarasu steps outside and opens the door to find Langst in front of him. Langst: "Yarasu!" Yarasu: "I expected this, to be honest." Langst: "What exactly are you doing?" Yarasu: "I took the students to Riven for training, and I took Leo to train him." Langst: "You''re lucky Grif can''t sense Shinta clearly." Yarasu: "That''s why I took them so easily." Langst: "Leo is just a student, Yarasou. Don''t tell him anything dangerous for now." Yarasu: "Do you think I''m that foolish, old friend?" A week has passed since the training period began. Kyotai has mastered sword usage, and the training for his unique sword fighting style has started. Yarasu''s House Yarasu: "Alright, that''s enough for today." Leo: "I feel like I''m going to die." Yarasu: "This is just the first week." Leo: "I''ll definitely die." Yarasu: "The more you develop, the easier it gets, so don''t worry. Now go to your room." Leo: "Alright..." Both Leo and Yarasu go to their rooms. Yarasu changes his clothes and sits on his bed. Yarasu speaks quietly to himself. Yarasu: "Knowledge is a curse..." Yarasu lies on his bed, looking at the ceiling for a moment before closing his eyes. Nine years ago Yarasu wakes up from a nightmare. Yarasu: "What a nightmare... volcanic eruptions." Someone knocks on the door. Langst: "Yarasu! Wake up! We''re late!" Yarasu: "Huh? What time is it?" Yarasu looks at the clock and sees that it is 6:55. Yarasu: "What??! Damn, we''re really late!" Yarasu quickly gets dressed and leaves his room. Yarasou: "Come on, let''s go to class quickly!" Langst, smiling: "You''re so dumb." Riven: "The trick worked on you." Yarasu: "Huh? What are you two talking about?" Riven: "It''s a holiday, Mr. Ice Idiot." Yarasu: "Huh??!!" Langst starts laughing and then says. Langst: "Change your clothes so we can go to Aelius. He''s already beaten us to the ice cream shop." Yarasu: "Alright..." Before the beginning 2 Rivan: "Man, this shop is a privilege of Limitless Academy." Langst: "Agreed." Yaraso changes his clothes, and the three head to the ice cream shop. Upon arrival, they meet Aelius. Rivan: "Aelius! " Langst: "You already bought one for yourself?!" Aelius: "I couldn''t resist." Yaraso: "Damn you..." The rest buy their ice cream and sit together. Aelius then speaks. Aelius: "How do you guys want to die?" Yaraso: "What kind of sudden question is that?" Rivan: "I want to die knowing all the world''s secrets." Langst: "I want to die protecting those I love." Elios: "I want my death to have an impact on the world, What about you, Yaraso? How do you want to die?" Yaraso: "Me? I don''t know, it''s better that i don''t die by an opponent" Langst: "That''s strange." Rivan: "Why do you want your end to be like that?" Yaraso: "To prove that no one can stay alive after fighting me." Aelius: "well, that''s your way" The four fall silent for a moment before Langst speaks. Langst: "Do you guys want to play basketball?" Aelius: "Good idea." Yaraso: "I didn''t even have breakfast because of your stupid prank." Rivan: "Is the little ice boy hungry?" Yaraso: "Shut up!" Rivan, Aelius, and Langst laugh, then head to the basketball court. Yaraso: "Aelius and I will destroy you easily." Langst: "In your dreams." After the match¡­ Yaraso: "Let me correct your words, Langst¡ª''I will win in my dreams.''" If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Langst: "Let''s play another match!" Yaraso: "No, you lost. You can''t change that." Rivan: "Are you scared?" Yaraso: "Absolutely not!" Aelius: "Then let''s start again." Euron enters the court. Euron: "I don''t think you can. Director Satil wants to see you." Yaraso: "Damn it..." Director''s Office Satil: "You have a mission, but first¡ªhas anyone seen Maria?" Yaraso: "No." Rivan: "Has she disappeared?" Aelius: "Maybe." Langst: "The seal girl?" Satil: "Maria, Winda, and Kanoy always sneak out without permission." Aelius: "They probably went shopping or something." Satil: "Let''s leave them for now. There''s an A-rank Daimas in the kingdom of Witherian. The kingdom is dealing with a lot, so they can''t send high-ranking warriors, and they won''t send low-ranking ones because they wouldn''t stand a chance." Rivan: "It would be like sending them to their deaths." Satil: "Exactly. So, you''ll be going instead." Langst: "Then let''s go." Satil: "Be careful." Yaraso: "Don''t worry. After all, we are the strongest." Satil smiles. The four leave the director¡¯s office and meet sylan on their way. Elios: "sylan!" Sylan: "Elios, you guys are always together, huh?" Aelius laughs. The four walk away as Euron speaks. Euron: "To be honest, I¡¯m starting to feel like we¡¯re too far from them." Sylan: "I somewhat agree, but that doesn¡¯t change anything, right?" Euron: "I¡¯m starting to wonder¡ªcan they handle everything?" Sylan: "Of course not. They¡¯re human, after all. Don¡¯t be selfish." Euron: "You''re right." Limitless Academy Gate Yaraso: "Come on, Fyorai. Open a portal to the location." Fyorai: "Speak politely. I am the academy¡¯s gatekeeper." Yaraso: "Doesn''t matter." Fyorai: "Shut up! I¡¯m older than you!" Langst: "Just open the portal." Fyorai: "Fine." Fyorai opens a portal to the Daimas location. The four enter. The Daimas is huge, with only one entrance. As Langst looks at it, he feels uneasy. Langst: "I know it¡¯s weird, but I feel suffocated." Rivan: "Did the ice cream get to you?" Langst: "Probably." Inside the Daimas The four defeat monsters with ease. Rivan: "And that¡¯s the last one." Yaraso: "This is probably the last room before the boss. Let¡¯s see¡ª" The boss is already dead. In front of it stands a mysterious figure. He looks at them and speaks. ???: "You¡¯re after the crystal, aren¡¯t you?" Langst approaches, transforming his hand into a blade. Langst: "Who are you, and what do you mean by the crystal?" The man responds. ???: "Don¡¯t play dumb. It¡¯s not yours, no matter what." Suddenly, the man moves, pulling out a paintbrush and sweeping it through the air in front of Langst, sending him flying. Aelius uses his ability, filling the area with a fierce storm. Name: Aelius ryum Ability: Wind The mysterious man waves his brush, forming a wall to shield himself from the storm. He charges forward. Aelius tries to stop him but fails. The man slashes at Aelius with his brush, sending him crashing against the wall and out of the Daimas. ???: "The first one is done." Rivan, thinking: "First? But he defeated Langst first. Does this mean he has specific targets?" Rivan Shouts: "Stay back!" The mysterious man is thrown backward by Rivan¡¯s words. Name: Rivan Norotoshi Ability: Shinta Words Yaraso goes to attack but The man charges at Yaraso, Yaraso blocks him. Rivan: "Lie down!" The man falls to the ground. Aelius returns and uses his wind to keep him down. Langst attempts to decapitate him, but the man moves his brush slightly, making Langst and Aelius lose balance for a moment, giving him a chance to escape. ???: "You don¡¯t understand art. I am Kin, and I will show you true art." A fierce battle ensues. The four launch their final attack. Aelius creates a wind blade, Langst fully transforms his arms into swords, Rivan prepares to push his ability to the limit, and Yaraso is ready to kill. They land a successful attack, but Kin regenerates, his Shinta growing unnaturally. He overpowers them, severely injuring Yaraso, who appears to die. Kin: "The second one is done." 15 Kin turns to Rivan. 14 Kin: "Now, the third." 13 Rivan got blown away into another room 12 Langst sees a sword next to him 11 He holds the sword and goes to fight again, not caring about the state his body is in. 10 Langst tries to attack but his body feels heavy because of the amount of blood he lost. 5 Langst falls to the ground in despair. 1 Shinta is unpredictable. It does not end here. 0 Kin freezes in shock. A Familiar aura fills the room¡ªthe aura of the strongest. Yaraso Vitalis. Yaraso: "Sorry for the delay." Kin: "H-How?" Yaraso: "I died. I should be dead. But I¡¯m alive." Kin attacks, but Yaraso counters with ice. He then rises on an ice platform. Yaraso: "Do you want to see real art? Fusion." A minute later, Kin is dead. Rivan returns Rivan, his voice shaky and his eyes wide open: "yaraso" Yaraso: "Rivan, are you okay?" Rivan: "i-i don''t know...There was a crystal...It felt like it was calling me...I touched it..And i..... Back at Limitless Academy¡¯s hospital, Satil informs Rivan that the Sacred Warrior wants to see him. Meanwhile, Langst wakes up in a panic. Langst: "I... I feel like something is missing." Yaraso: "What is it?" Langst: "My emotions¡­" --- At the Sacred Warrior¡¯s palace, Rivan enters the room¡ªshocked. Rivan: "What is this?!" In the present. Yaraso wakes up to the sound of Leo knocking on his door. Yaraso, thinking: "Damn it, what a nightmare." The city of the Elfs The Palace of the Sacred Warrior The assistant of the Sacred Warrior, Frex, speaks: "Sir, you have received an invitation from the Kingdom of Sky." Aelius: "Frex, I don''t think I can accept it." The Silent Prison Horus, thinking to himself: "What if Langst hadn''t killed their ally, Alex? Would anything have changed? No, I don''t think so. When Alvis said ''your m,'' it wasn''t just him who exploded¡ªGrace exploded with him. The same would have happened if Alex hadn''t been killed. The Head of Security must have thought the same thing; that''s why Langst wasn''t punished, even though what he did was a loss." One Month of Training Later¡­ Sai mastered hand combat, while Hakan mastered foot fighting style. Afterward, Sai moved on to clawfighting style, and Hakan moved on to hand combat. After six weeks, Kyotai mastered swordsmanship. He then began training his ability alongside Karez and Beatrix. Two weeks later, the training was complete. Yaraso: "Leo, are you ready?" Leo: "Of course." Yaraso: "Three¡­ two¡­ one¡­" A portal opens before them. Yaraso: "We''ll meet again, so there''s no need for goodbyes." Leo: "Thank you, sir." Yaraso smiles. Yaraso: "It''s Yarasou, not ''sir.''" Leo: "Thank you, Yaraso." Yaraso: "No need to thank me." Leo: "See you later!" Yaraso: "Indeed." Leo steps into the portal, which disappears behind him. In Front of Rivan¡¯s House Leo emerges from the portal, where everyone is waiting for him. He doesn¡¯t say anything, but a look of relief is clear on his face. Kano: "Why so quiet?" Leo: "Honestly, I don¡¯t know what to say in this moment¡­ but those two months felt longer than a vacation. I missed you all." Zalen: "We¡¯re not that close to you¡­" Leo, not really caring: "I wasn¡¯t talking to you." Itor: "Blunt." Brika: "Very." Sai smiles, steps forward, and hugs Leo. Sai: "I missed you too." Mary closes her eyes and smiles. Beatrix smirks and says: "You better be stronger now, charcoal head." Leo: "Your head looks more like a tomato than Kento''s." Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Kento: "Hah?!" Kano: "You missed some great training, man." Garin: "I didn¡¯t miss you because you took too long." Kani and Karez laugh. Karez: "Training without you was boring." Leo: "I felt the same." Mary: "I needed your darkness for training." Sai: "She missed you but won¡¯t admit it." Mary: "Shut up!" Kani: "Just admit it." Leo laughs, then notices something interesting. Leo: "Kyotai, isn¡¯t that my wooden sword?" Kyotai: "Yeah, it is." Leo: "How did you get it?" Kyotai: "My own way. Now shut your mouth." Leo: "Uh¡­" Kento: "You better be stronger now, or I¡¯ll kill you." Leo: "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m stronger than you anytime, anywhere." Kento: "And I¡¯m taller than you anytime, anywhere." Leo: "By one centimeter!" watching them in silence, a smile on their face Revan: "Fyorai." Fiorai: "What?" Revan: "Their antics remind me of the good old days¡­" Fyorai: "i agree" Arian: "We¡¯re just sitting here watching them." Damian: "They haven¡¯t seen each other in two months, so we can¡¯t blame them." Hakan: "I¡¯m gonna hit him." Hakan swings at Leo¡¯s head, but Leo dodges effortlessly. Leo: "Dude, that was a basic strike." Hakan: "What? Basic?" Leo: "Yeah." Hakan laughs. Hakan: "I like it." Leo: "Huh?" Hakan: "We¡¯re friends now." Brika: "You can¡¯t decide that by yourself." Leo swings at Hakan, but Hakan dodges. Leo: "You''re impressive. We are surely friends now." Hakan: "Yeah!" Neron interrupts them Neron: "Since we can¡¯t split up, where do we go now?" Sai: "Why not just move without a set destination and see where we end up?" Kano: "What if we enter a Non-coalition kingdom or a dangerous place?" Sai: "Good point." Zalen: "How about we head to the Kingdom of Ogrulia, then to Great Nest?" Beatrix: "Do you want to explore other kingdoms?" Zalen: "Yeah." Mary: "Anastasia has many allies, like Sky, Atlantis, Ogrulia, and Great Nest, among others." Leo: "If only we had planned this earlier¡­" Rivan: "I have a suggestion." Garin: "Impress us." Rivan: "The Elf City, the Dwarves City, the Kingdom of Sky, and finally, Ogrulia." Neron: "That actually sounds like a good idea." Kyotai: "Why that specific route?" Rivan: "You¡¯ve been training here for two months. Do you really need another reason?" Karez: "That makes sense, to be honest." Leo: "Especially since you''re one of Yaraso''s acquaintances." Damian: "I have a question¡ªaren¡¯t you giving weapons to Brika since she trained in spear combat?" Rivan: "No." Damian: "Why not?" Rivan: "Why do you think your journey includes visiting the Dwarves City?" Damian: "Oh." Garin: "That makes a lot more sense now." Rivan: "You have six months left¡ªmake good use of them. Now¡­" Fyorai suddenly opens a portal under the students, and they fall into it, finding themselves in a forest. Sai: "I¡¯m starting to hate forests." Mary: "This place looks familiar." Zalen: "Indeed, it does." Mary: "This is one of the forests surrounding the Elf City." Karez: "At least this portal saved us some time." Arian: "Exactly, because the Elf City is in the farthest north of the kingdom." Garin: "This means we¡¯ll be seeing your birthplace, Mary, or at least some of us, since some have been there before." Mary: "But didn¡¯t Professor Langst say that going back to our homes could get us expelled?" Beatrix: "As long as you don¡¯t literally go to your home, everything should be fine." Mary: "You¡¯re right." Kinto: "Let¡¯s move." Hakan: "Are you ordering us around?" Kaiser: "Shut up dude..." Karez: "Finally, you speak." Kaiser: "I didn¡¯t get the chance to speak." After a bit of walking... Hakan: "Hey, healing girl, is there a casino in the Elf City?" Mary: "Yes." Hakan: "Show me the way." Mary: "And what do I get in return?" Hakan: "A percentage of the money I win." Mary: "50%?" Hakan: "Fine..." Mary:" We¡¯re almost there." Itor: "I¡¯m so tired..." Brika: "Watch out!" A wild boar charges toward Itor, but Kyotai hits it with a wooden sword, and the boar faints with a single strike. Leo: "I didn¡¯t know my wooden sword could do that." Kyutai: "Swords become weaker if their wielder is weak." Leo: "That wasn¡¯t necessary." Mary: "We¡¯ve arrived." Everyone is amazed by the view. It turns out they are in a high place compared to the Elf City, allowing them to see the whole city from above. The city is surrounded by a wall of mountains, with waterfalls cascading from them into the city below. The city itself is filled with plants, beautiful and relaxing to the eye, a place full of the kindest beings¡ªthe Elfs. Mary raises her hand for five seconds, and a flying broom from the city appears in front of her. Arian: "Is this normal?" Mary: "These are our specialties." Kani: "You use them for flying?" Mary: Exactly. Kani: "Why don¡¯t you use them outside the city?" Mary: "I don¡¯t know why, but it¡¯s forbidden." Sai: "I hate rules." Mary: "Me too." Yaraso''s Office Yaraso is sitting at his desk, calling his assistant, Crystal. Crystal: "Do you need me for something?" Yaraso: "I was just thinking, since you¡¯re one of the people I trust the most, will you believe the story I¡¯m about to tell you now?" Crystal: "As long as it makes sense." Yaraso laughs lightly: "I don¡¯t think it will." Rivan''s House Rivan: Fyorai, do you remember that sword Leo was carrying? Fyorai: The black sword? Yes, I remember it. You explained a similar sword to me before, if I¡¯m not mistaken. Rivan: This is the sword I described. Do you know who its previous user was? Fyorai: No, who was it? Rivan: Langst. Fyorai: Langst uses swords? Rivan: He used it once, nine years ago, during that Daimas mission. What truly amazes me is that Leo was able to fight with that sword, even though it¡¯s cursed. North of Anastasia Kingdom Siron and Arkan face three people. Siron: Who are you? One of them answers: This is none of your business. Now, shut up, it won¡¯t hurt much. Elf City Brika: How do we get down? Mary claps her hands, and a ladder made of plants appears to let them descend. Brika: This place is magical. They begin descending, and Itor speaks. Itor: Do you have Mercury flowers? Mary: Of course. Itor: How long has it been since you watered them? Mary: 90 years. Kaiser: What is this flower? Damian: It¡¯s a Mercury flower. It needs to be watered with Mercury instead of water. Kinto: How does it live for 90 years without being watered? Mary: This flower only needs to be watered once every 150 years. However, many people think it¡¯s a waste of money, because Mercury is, naturally, not cheap. That¡¯s why it¡¯s found only in a few places. Kano: That¡¯s special. Mary: Still, I don¡¯t think we can water it anymore, because our Mercury stock is finished. Getting pure Mercury is very expensive. Even if all the villagers gathered to get pure Mercury, it still wouldn¡¯t be enough. Itor: I can give you pure Mercury, since my ability is Mercury. Mary: Really? Can you do that? Itor: Yes... Mary: The people of the city will be so happy about this! Miracle Garin: "We''ve arrived." Kaiser: "When we were above, I saw a statue in the middle of the city. I want to see it up close, so see you all later." Mary: "From what I remember, there''s a wedding today, so if you''re looking for a place to have some sweets, you can eat cake there." Leo: "But we¡¯re not invited." Mary: "You just have to pretend." Brika: "Is flying allowed?" Mary: "Of course." Brika: "Good." Kyotai: "Where do these waterfalls lead?" Mary: "There are many gaps where the water falls, so the water flows into them and rises back up." Kyotai: "I''ll go check it out." Neron: "I''m going to explore the city. Damian, are you coming with me?" Damian: "Of course." Sai: "I''m going to look for a restaurant." Arian: "I''ll come with you." Kani & Kano: "Us too." Zalin: "I''ll go with you, Kyotai." Kyotai: "You''re not welcome." Zalin: "Whatever..." Garin: "I''m curious about the statue too, so I''ll go with you, Kaiser." Kaiser: "If you were a girl, that would be better." Garin: "Seriously..." Hakan: "Where should I go to find the casino?" Mary: "I''ll take you. Itor, come with me. After we drop off Hakan, we''ll head to the Mercury Vault." Itor: "Alright." Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Karez: "I want to come with you too. I want to see the Mercury Vault." Mary: "Alright." Brika flies with her wings to get a better view of the city from above. Kyotai and Zalin head toward the waterfalls. Neron and Damian explore the city. Sai, Arian, Kani, and Kano go to find food. Kaiser and Garin head to the statue. Mary, Hakan, Itor, and Karez go to the casino. Beatrix: "What should we do?" Leo: "It seems we have no idea what we want to do." Beatrix: "I want to explore, but I''m already tired." Leo: "Me too." Beatrix: "Didn''t Mary mention a wedding?" Leo: "Yeah." Beatrix: "Why don¡¯t we go there?" Leo: "Good idea. Let''s go." The two of them set off to find the wedding. Kinto: "I¡¯m all alone¡­ I guess I¡¯ll go see the statue too." Neron and Damian were walking through the city until they found themselves in front of a large fountain. Daemon: "What is this fountain?" Neron: "It says,''Memorial of the Living Dead, The Elfs Whale, Miracle.''" Daemon: "He must have his own story." A man speaks to them: "Indeed, he has his own story. Would you like me to tell it to you?" Daemon: "We don¡¯t mind. I¡¯m Damian." Neron: "And I¡¯m Neron." The man replies: "I''m Emory. Nice to meet you." Neron & Damian: "Nice to meet you too." Emory: "This fountain was built 250 years ago. There was a whale that lived beneath the Elfs City and carried it on its back. He was enormous due to a genetic mutation. The elfs gave the whale a name. Because of his massive size, they called him Miracle. But when he reached 200 years old, Miracle died. It was a sad day for the entire city. His corpse was still holding up the city, but of course, it wouldn¡¯t last forever. With the help of a woman named Narin, we were able to take the whale¡¯s body and bury it above, in one of the forests. His grave is near the city, so people always visit him. And of course, thanks to Narin¡¯s help, supports were built for the entire city. After the whale died, this fountain was built as a memorial¡ªMiracle¡¯s Fountain." Neron: "He was a hero." Daemon: "His memory will last forever." Emory: "We elfs will always be proud of him." After a moment of silence, Daemon speaks: "May I ask your age?" Emory: "2,019 years." Neron and Daemon are shocked. Neron: "How¡­" Emory: "My ability is immortality." Kaiser and Garin arrived at the city center. The statue was enormous and made of gold. Garin: "What did this woman do to deserve a statue like this?" Kaiser: "It must have been something very important." Garin: "There''s something written on the statue:''Here stands the statue of the Great human, Narin.''" Kaiser: "Who is she?" Garin: "I read about her. She helped the elves 250 years ago and died two years after helping them. That¡¯s why this statue was built." As Garin and Kaiser talk, Kinto arrives. Kinto: "It''s much bigger up close." Garin: "You¡¯re curious about the statue too?" Kinto: "You could say that." Kinto notices a golden plaque beside the statue. He steps closer to read the inscription. The plaque reads: "A person dies when they are forgotten." The words of the one who will never be forgotten¡ªHan. Kinto: What a statement. I wonder who that is. After wandering through the city for a while, Mary and the others reached the casino. Hakan entered while the other three continued toward the Mercury Vault. Sai, Arian, Kani, and Kano found a restaurant and started eating. Arian: "Where did you get the money?" Sai: "I saved half of the monthly allowance the academy gives us." Kani: "Half the allowance? That¡¯s impressive. I could never do that. Most of the time, I spend it all in the first week." Sai: "How do you make it through the rest of the month?" Kani, trying to provoke her brother, says: "Thanks to my lovely brother, Kano." Kano: "I should cut you off¡­" Leo and Beatrix arrived at the wedding venue. They sat at a table, watching everyone while eating the cake that was served. Beatrix: "This cake is delicious." Leo: "Very. If the chef is a woman, I want to marry her." Beatrix: "I hope it¡¯s a man, because I want to marry him." Leo: "It¡¯s strawberry cake." Beatrix: "No, it¡¯s banana cake." Leo: "Are you sick? It¡¯s obviously strawberry cake." Beatrix: "Let me taste it." Beatrix tries a piece from Leo¡¯s plate. Beatrix: "Yours tastes like strawberry." Leo: "Let me try yours." Leo takes a bite from Beatrix¡¯s plate. Leo: "Yours actually tastes like banana." Beatrix: "Did they bake a cake with more than one fruit?" Leo: "I think so!" They continue eating until the musicians start playing a soft melody. The men begin asking the women to dance. With a gentle smile, Beatrix asks: "Do you prefer eating or dancing?" Leo replies calmly: "Both, if it''s with the right person." Beatrix, in a teasing tone: "And who would be the right person for you?" Leo stands up, kneels on one knee, and says: "Hmm... Let¡¯s find out. Maybe you?" Beatrix blushes slightly but smiles. Leo: Relax, I¡¯m joking. Beatrix: I didn¡¯t care about what you said anyway. I was just playing along. Leo laughs, and when Beatrix sees him laughing, she starts laughing too. Zalen Kyotai reached a deep branching area beneath one of the waterfalls. He saw an opening to his left and assumed it was another branch. As he approached it, he found corpses. Mary, Itor, and Karez arrived at the Mercury Vault, where they were welcomed by the city''s leader, Rick. Rick: "Is there anything I can help you with, young people?" Itor whispered to Mary: "There''s a leader for your city? How is that possible?" Rick: "I heard you, son. The answer to your question is simple: the Elfs wanted a leader of their own kind, nothing more." Itor: "I-I see..." Mary: "The important thing is, sir, that Itor has the mercury ability. He wants to fill up the mercury supply." Rick: "Oh my, I didn¡¯t know there were such good kids like you, Itor. But the vault is large. Can you really do it?" Itor: "Of course I can, but I don''t know how long it will take me." Rick: "Naturally, you wouldn¡¯t know because you don¡¯t know the size of the vault. I can show you." Rick led them to the vault, which was located directly beneath his office. Itor: "This... is huge." Mary: "How long will you need?" Itor: "About a week and a half." Mary: "Alright, it¡¯s not like we have anything else to do anyway." Rick: "I''m glad you''re eager, but the vault guards were attacked in a strange way and need a long time to recover. I don''t think a week and a half will be enough¡ªprobably two months. Especially since the other guards died from certain diseases." Mary: "Two months? That¡¯s a lot." Karez: "What if we become the guards?" Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Rick: "Are you willing to do that? You¡¯ll be restricted." Karez: "I''m in. What about you, Mary?" Mary: "I''m in." Rick: "Itor, do you accept them as your guards?" Itor: "Of course." Kyotai emerged from the water, bringing Zalin with him. Zalin: "What¡¯s wrong? Why do you look so shocked?" Kyotai: "There were corpses down there." Zalin: "Corpses? You must be imagining things." Kyotai: "I definitely saw them. They were real bodies." Zalin: "Is this a prank or something?" Kyotai: "Do I look like someone who enjoys pranks?!" Zalin: "Alright, alright. Do you know who the bodies belong to?" Kyotai: "Of course not." Zalin: "Were they humans, elfs, or something else?" Kyotai: "Elfs, humans, and animals." Zalin: "My god... We need to inform the city leader about this." Kyotai: "No, stop. First of all, leader of what?" Zalin: "Oh, you don¡¯t know? The Elf City has its own leader." Kyotai: "Alright, I suppose. Second, we don¡¯t know if these corpses are the work of the elfs¡ªor even their leader." Zalin: "Why would they do that? And besides, we''re just reporting it, so nothing will happen to us." Kyotai: "We¡¯re just strangers who arrived in the city an hour ago. We¡¯re also humans, and suddenly we report finding corpses? Of course, we¡¯ll be suspected." Zalin: "So what if we¡¯re humans?" Kyotai: "Do you not know about the history between elfs and humans? It¡¯s filled with racism and slavery against elfs. What do you think will happen if elf corpses are discovered? Who do you think will be the first suspect? Do you think we live in peace just because we''re in the same kingdom? Absolutely not." Zalin: "But that''s not true, th¡ª" Kyotai: "Zalin! Control your emotions. We are warriors, yes, but we are also students." Silence filled the area. The only sound was that of the water. Mercury Vault Karez: "Mary, I have a question. I read that elfs have abilities unrelated to combat, like support abilities or others that aren¡¯t suited for direct fighting." Mary: "That¡¯s true." Miracle Fountain Emory: "Elfs have strong control over Shinta, yet their abilities aren¡¯t suited for combat. In wars, elfs contribute through healing and general support. That¡¯s what helped us get a city of our own." Damian: "Helped you? What do your abilities have to do with the city?" Emory: "Two thousand years ago, during the Blood War, the elfs'' support was one of the key factors in the Alliance of Kingdoms'' victory. After the war, the Kingdom of Anastasia offered us a place within their kingdom, since the elfs had no homeland. We accepted the offer." Damian: "The alliance would have probably lost without your help." Neron: "You deserve your own kingdom. A city isn¡¯t enough to repay you." Emory smiled. Mercury Vault Itor: "Is mercury important for anything else, or is it only used for the Mercury Flower?" Mary: "Mercury is also a source of energy. It doesn¡¯t make sense to have guards for such a vault just for a flower, right?" Sky of the Elf City Brika: "The place is truly beautiful, but the animals in the forests are strangely agitated." Meanwhile, as Sai and the others were eating at a restaurant, Hakan entered and sat with them. Arian: "Let me guess¡ªyou were gambling and ran out of money?" Hakan: "Correct... but I won in the end!" Arian: "And lost ten times in the process." Hakan: "Look on the bright side (?_?)." A week passed. Both classes were now aware of Itor''s mission. Only half a week remained. Everyone was gathered near the waterfalls, planning their route to the Dwarf City, except for Mary, Karez, and Itor, who were still in the Mercury Vault. Zalin, to himself: "I wonder how Siron and Arkan are doing now..." Limitless Academy ¨C Monitoring Room Langst: "Wait a minute... I sense a strange Shinta among the students. Teleport me to them." The strange Shinta grew stronger. Langst shouted: "Open the gate now!" Zalin¡¯s head fell to the ground. Langst was teleported, but it was too late. The students had been divided into three groups, each trapped inside separate barriers. Langst sat in front of Zalin¡¯s severed head, filled with rage. Langst: "You scum... You must be able to hear me. You succeeded in killing Zalin because his reaction speed wasn¡¯t fast enough. But now that the rest of the students know they''re in danger... prepare for your deaths." Langst took Zalin¡¯s body and head and returned through the gate to the academy. First Barrier Leo, Hakan, Kinto, Brika, and Beatrix were trapped. Second Barrier Sai, Arian, Kani, Neron, and Kaiser were trapped. Third Barrier Garin, Damian, Kyotai, and Kano were trapped. Illusion Leo: "Will you introduce yourself?" This person responds provocatively: "Of course, of course. I''m Ilo. Nice to meet you, Leo." Leo: "Leo? How do you know my name." Ilo: "Wrong question. You should ask, "How do you know our names?" Isn''t that right, Kinto?" Kinto: "You''re annoying me." Hakan: "Is my vision messed up, or are you just ugly?" Beatrix: "Agreed. He looks disgusting." Sai''s Group Sai: "Anten? That''s a strange name." Anten: "I thought you''d like it, Sai." Neron: "How does he know your name?" Anten: "I''m Anten after all." Garin''s Group Garin: "Hol? To be honest, you look like a bull to me." Kyotai: "For the first time, I agree with you." Kano: "Can you guys take this a bit more seriously?!" Damian: "Yeah, we should take this seriously. They killed Zalen." Hol: "What if I told you we also killed the Water Boy and the Electricity Boy?" Damian: "You wouldn¡¯t dare." Hol pulls out the heads of Seron and Arkan. Hol: "What do you think now?" The four are shocked. Anger obvious on their faces as their shinta starts to heavy the air. Damian: "Damn you!" Leo''s Group Kinto tries to attack Ilo, but he suddenly disappears. Kinto: "What?!" Ilo: "Illusion." Suddenly, all five of them fall to the ground. Brika sees her parents¡ªher mother without a head, her father without legs. Ilo speaks to her. Ilo: "You like that boy, Sai, don''t you?" Sai appears before Brika. He walks toward her, slowly breaking her arm, causing her to collapse to the ground. Brika sees her family in front of her¡ªdisfigured and horrifying, their limbs not in the right place. She screams, but it''s useless. No one hears her. Brika faints. Leo opens his eyes. His parents are in front of him, but before he can say anything, Hakan slaps him awake. Leo: "Why did you do that?!" Hakan: "Man, look around you." If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Leo sees Brika unconscious and Beatrix trembling uncontrollably on the ground. He looks to his right and sees Kinto lying on the ground with a large wound on his chest. Hakan: "All of this happened in ten seconds, man!" Leo: "H-How?" Ilo: "Because of me. My ability is illusion. But how did you, Hakan, escape its effect?" Hakan: "You talk too much. You shouldn''t do that in front of your enemies." Kinto grabs Leo¡¯s hand and gives him something. Kinto: "I''m going to sleep now. When I wake up, I want to see him dead." Leo: "Don''t worry." Leo strikes Beatrix on the neck, knocking her unconscious. Leo: "Hakan, it''s two against one." Hakan: "Will we win?, my friend. Let¡¯s gamble." Leo''s Group Hakan and Leo charge at Ilo, but he uses his ability to distract Leo. However, Hakan remains unaffected. Hakan lands a hit on Ilo, then slaps Leo to snap him back to his senses. Ilo: Why aren¡¯t you affected? Hakan: I have my ways. Leo: How are you doing this? Hakan: Don''t you know my ability? Leo: Gambling? I get it! Ilo uses his ability again, but Hakan grabs Leo. Elo''s ability has no effect. Hakan''s ability, Gambling, activates whenever Ilo uses his illusions. The gamble is between either nullifying Ilo¡¯s ability or taking increased damage. Hakan was lucky enough to nullify Ilo¡¯s power three times in a row. Hakan: Leo, you''re the only one who woke up out of the other three. There must be a weakness to Ilo¡¯s ability. Leo: "That¡¯s enough information. We just need a bit of luck." Leo draws his sword, Lin. Leo: "This is your third mission, Lin." Leo uses Shingen, attempting to strike Ilo, but Elo uses his ability to make Leo lose consciousness. However, he is caught off guard when Hakan lands a hit on him. Hakan slaps Leo awake. Leo regains consciousness and strikes Ilo with his sword¡ªonly a shallow wound, but enough to distract him. This allows Hakan to activate his ability and land a hit with 5% more power than usual. Leo strikes Ilo again, this time delivering a critical wound to his chest. Leo sheathes Lin, then kicks Ilo¡ªnot an ordinary kick. A surge of darkness erupts from Leo¡¯s foot, hitting Ilo¡¯s face directly. Hakan:"The Foot Combat Style" Hakan uses his ability to gain a 20% speed boost and employs his foot combat style to kick Ilo, dealing severe damage to his organs. Ilo loses consciousness. Hakan: "Eliminated." Leo: "That was fast¡ª" Suddenly, Ilo gets back up, revealing that he was only pretending. Ilo: Spatial Illusion. Ilo¡¯s ability affects the entire area. Leo falls back into the illusion, but this time, Hakan does not break him out of it because Ilo is standing in his way. Leo finds himself sinking underwater. Leo is thinking: "I can hear Hakan¡¯s voice. He didn¡¯t use his ability this time because it happened too fast. How did he escape the illusion¡¯s effect? He managed to wake me up but not the others?" As Leo ponders, horrifying images appear before him¡ªhis family, his friends, and everyone he loves being devoured, tortured, and killed. He sees his brother suffering in the worst ways imaginable until, finally¡ª Leo: "I understand!" As Hakan struggles to defend himself, Leo awakens, draws his sword, and stabs Ilo in the shoulder. Stepping back, he turns to Hakan. Leo: I" figured out how to resist the illusion. Now I just need your help." Hakan: "Good! You still have enough energy left!" Both charge forward¡ªHakan exchanges blows with Ilo, and then Leo uses Shinton to strike Ilo¡¯s leg, causing him to stagger. Ilo attempts to escape, but Leo slows him down with his Gravity Point ability. Taking advantage of the opening, Leo throws a special poison vial from Kinto at Ilo, paralyzing him. Hakan then delivers a powerful kick to Ilo¡¯s head, knocking him to the ground. Leo finishes it by slicing off Ilo¡¯s head with his sword. Leo: "How can I become the Sacred Warrior if I can¡¯t defeat you?" Hakan: "Sacred Warrior? Forget that for now. Where did you get that vial?" Leo: "Kinto gave it to me before he passed out. More importantly, the barrier still hasn¡¯t disappeared." Hakan: "Let¡¯s try breaking it." Before moving, Leo spits on Ilo¡¯s face. Leo: "Never invade people¡¯s minds again, you bastard." Ilo¡¯s Ability and Its Weaknesses Ilo¡¯s ability has two weaknesses: awareness and willpower. If someone possesses strong willpower, all they need to do is realize they¡¯re under an illusion to break free. However, this is not easy. Awareness requires either a powerful will or strong external stimuli. Beatrix and Brika were trapped in their pasts, causing their willpower to shatter, and no external influence could wake them up. Leo and Hakan, however, had the strongest wills. Garin¡¯s Group Kyotai: "You¡¯re only trapping yourself like this." Kyotai swings his wooden sword and successfully lands a hit on Hol. Kano traps Hol with sand and moves in to strike, but suddenly, Hol lands a devastating blow on Kano, knocking him unconscious. Hol¡¯s body begins to grow larger. Damian: "Is his ability physical strength enhancement?" Garin: "I don¡¯t think so. It¡¯s probably something else." Kyotai: "Something else¡­ like muscle fiber expansion?" Garin: "Expansion?" As garin watches Hol grow, he thinks: "His ability has a fatal weakness." Garin: "You two, help me out a bit." Damian: "What are you planning?" Garin: "Trust me." Garin uses his offensive Shingen to lunge at Hol, spinning his sword toward him. Hol attempts to block, but Kyotai shields Garin with his ability. Garin slices into Hol¡¯s body, but Hol regenerates by expanding his muscle fibers even more. Kyotai and Damian push themselves to the limit to protect Garin. Garin¡¯s thinking: "In my first year, I thought of myself as the leader of Class B because I ranked first¡ªthough that ranking only measured Shinta levels. But now, with both classes merged and me ranked ninth, I can¡¯t call myself the leader anymore. Even so, I will become a key pillar for both classes!" Damian slows Hol¡¯s movements with wind, then Garin shrouds the area in fog, making it impossible for Hol to locate Kyotai and Damian. However, Hol clears all the fog with a single sweep of his hand. Damian continues to hinder Hol¡¯s movements, but Hol catches him, stopping the wind flow. Kyotai rushes to help Damian, but Hol slams him into the ground with his other hand. In that moment, Garin seizes the opportunity and severs Hol¡¯s arms, freeing Damian and buying Kyotai enough time to retreat. Hol¡¯s muscle fibers continue expanding rapidly as he tries to attack Garin, but¡ª Garin: "Your ability doesn¡¯t suit your soft heart." Hol collapses. Due to his excessive muscle fiber expansion, Hol¡¯s veins, arteries, and even his heart couldn¡¯t handle the increased blood flow¡ªcausing them to rupture. With the barriers around Leo¡¯s group and Garin¡¯s group disappearing, only Sai¡¯s group¡¯s barrier remains intact. At that moment, massive numbers of skeletons emerge from Hol¡¯s body. Kyotai, Damian, and Leo carry the wounded away, discovering that Elf warriors have arrived to provide support. They leave the injured in their care and rush back to fend off the overwhelming tide of skeletons. The Mercury Vault Mary: "You can sense what¡¯s happening above, right?" Karez: "Yes." Mary: "Do you think Master Rivan knew this would happen?" Karez: "I can¡¯t say for certain, to be honest." Sai''s Group Kaiser: "Five against one. I assume this won¡¯t take long." Kani: "Don¡¯t assume. Trust me, I¡¯ve assumed a lot of things before and regretted it." Sai: "Are you all ready?" Arian: "Don¡¯t talk like you¡¯re the leader." Kani: "I¡¯ll support you from the back." Kaiser: "Good thing you¡¯re a man. I could burn you alive. Neron: "Don¡¯t talk about burning." Cube dimension Kaiser activates his ability under Anten to prevent him from staying in one place. Kani uses her ability alongside Shingen Control, trying to strike him with her glass shards, but Anten evades all their techniques using his ability, which allows him to teleport." Arian: "Instant teleportation?" Anten: "Exactly." Anten teleports near Kani, attempting to attack her, but she kicks him in the chin. Kani: "Don¡¯t underestimate me!" Neron appears and kicks Anten. Then, the five of them gang up on him. Kaiser pierces Anten''s chest with a molten finger, followed by Kani stabbing him with a glass shard. Arian then punches him in the face with his hardened hand. Next, Neron lands two kicks, pushing him backward, where Sai awaits to strike him down to the ground. Sai: "That wasn¡¯t fair." Kaiser: "They ambushed us first, so they started it." Suddenly, Anten''s face turns black as he teleports behind Kaiser, striking his leg and causing a severe injury. He then attempts to attack Kani, but she counters by stabbing him with two glass shards. However, Anten still manages to knock her down. Arian activates full-body hardening and attacks Anten alongside Sai, but Anten''s teleportation¡ªnow seemingly faster¡ªhinders them. Anten: "I am Anten! With our leader¡¯s gift, I won¡¯t lose to the likes of you!" At this moment, Neron tries to predict where Anten will teleport next, but suddenly, Sai lands a hit on Anten. Sai is evolving. Sai thinking: "10%!" Even with Sai¡¯s evolution, injuring Anten remains difficult. Arian attempts to strike Anten, but fully activating his ability has drained his Shinta, causing him to collapse. Sai says surprised: "Huh?" Neron:"Sai! Arian can¡¯t move anymore. We have to handle this ourselves!" Sai thinking: "Damn, damn, damn! I don¡¯t think I have another choice¡­" Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Sai: "Neron, can you create an opportunity for me to touch you and Anten together?" Neron: "What?" Sai licks the blood off of his hand, he answers Neron: "this is our last chance either you help me or we die." Neron: "Alright." Neron charges at Anten, trying to grab him, but Anten''s teleportation is too fast. However, after several attempts, Neron finally manages to hold Anten for a few seconds. Sai thinking: Anten''s ability isn¡¯t instant teleportation. When he ¡°teleports,¡± I can see him moving. His real ability is speed!" Sai seizes the opportunity and dashes toward Anten at full speed, grabbing him along with Neron. Sai: "Cube Dimension!" Sai, Neron, and Anten suddenly disappear, reappearing in a blue-hued space. They are inside a cube. Sai: "Welcome to my Cube Dimension." Neron: "What is this? I thought your ability only enhanced physical stats?" Sai: "That¡¯s just part of it. I think I forgot something." The buildings and plants from their previous battle location in the city of Elfs materialize within the dimension. Sai: "My ability is the Cube Dimension. In this cube, my physical strength doubles, meaning my 10% boost outside is now 20% here. Also, I can do this." Sai waves his hand, and a tree moves with it. He gestures as if throwing something at Anten, and the tree is launched toward him¡ªdespite Sai never touching it. Sai: "Almost everything here is under my control. We can stay for only five minutes, but since I talked too much, we have four minutes left." Neron: "My god¡­ I wasn¡¯t expecting something like this. You¡¯ve impressed me, Sai Vitalite." Sai: "You haven¡¯t seen anything yet, Neron Ryum." Anten: "I¡¯m getting tired of this." Anten moves at his usual blinding speed, but now, inside the Cube Dimension, Sai is faster than him. Neron also finds that he has become faster and stronger. Sai: "Oh, I forgot to mention¡ªthe Cube Dimension enhances my allies too." Neron: "Oh, come on! What¡¯s left for the others?!" The two team up to attack Anten. He has no chance now. Neron strikes from the left while Sai hits from the right, leaving Anten with no room to escape. Neron thinking: Damian was the only one who could match my combat speed and coordinate with me properly. But now, I think I¡¯ve found another. If the three of us unite, we¡¯ll be unstoppable!" Anten tries to flee, but Sai controls an entire building and drops it on him. Even then, Anten emerges from the wreckage, attempting to escape again. However, Neron launches him into the air with a powerful kick. Sai then jumps and delivers a final blow to Anten''s head. KO! Sai & Neron: "Eliminated." Sai and Neron exit the Cube Dimension. The nearby buildings have sustained some damage from the skeletal creatures, but it seems the situation was contained. Emory: "I¡¯m glad you¡¯re safe." Neron: "Emory?" Sai collapses onto the ground, breathing heavily. Sai: "Sorry to interrupt, but¡­ after leaving the Cube Dimension, exhaustion hits me so hard that my legs can¡¯t support me." Neron: "I expected that." Emory: "You¡¯re all injured. You need medical attention." The Mercury Vault Karez: "It¡¯s over." Mary: "Finally." All the students were treated in the Elf City. Kyotai reported the bodies found beneath the waterfall, and they were retrieved. The academy was informed of Seron and Arkan¡¯s deaths, while Zalen was taken by Langst and given a proper funeral alongside Seron and Arkan. Brika''s psychological state deteriorated severely, and she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. The incident was fully reported. It was revealed that the rampaging animals sensed an approaching danger and sought to protect the city. Although only six students remained in Class A, the second stage of their education continued. Half a week later, the Mercury Vault was filled. However, the students needed two and a half weeks to recover fully. While their bodies healed, their emotions did not. Itor: "Brika?¡­ This isn¡¯t true, right? Please, Karez, tell me you¡¯re joking¡­" Karez remained silent. Itor fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Itor: If I had been stronger¡­ we would have left the Elf City long ago, before all this happened." Outside, Damian stood alone, lost in thought¡ªthinking about his childhood friend, Seron. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Neron stepped outside, intending to speak with him, but upon seeing him smoking, he looked down and said nothing. The students helped the city¡¯s residents rebuild the damaged buildings. When it was time to leave, dozens of citizens gathered to bid them farewell, including Emory. Emory: "Thank you all. There¡¯s no need to say goodbye because we¡¯ll meet again." Leo: "I¡¯ve heard that before." All the students: "Goodbye." The higher warriors Unknown Place The master enters a place where three people are sitting at a table. He sits with them, and they begin to speak. The Master: "Brandon, Victorion, Jean, not much time is left." Jean speaks to the master: "Isaac, our missions are almost done, so don¡¯t falter." Isaac: "Do you think I¡¯m the type to falter?" Jean: "I¡¯m working with you because His Majesty ordered me to, but I¡¯ve never liked you." Brandon: "You two, this is not the time for such talk." Victorion: "Brandon is right. None of this matters, because the world we¡¯ve always dreamed of is closer than ever." Isaac: "Thanks to His Majesty, everything will be better." Limitless Academy Eoron: "Langst, Grif, please understand the situation." Grif: "You¡¯re the one who needs to understand the situation, Yoron! We¡¯ve lost four students!" Eoron: "These are the King''s orders, Grif. There¡¯s nothing I can do." Langst: "Since when did you become like this, Eoron? When we accidentally killed a butterfly, you were angry with us. Now how can you sit here after losing four students?? Aren¡¯t you the principal here??" Eoron lowers his head and speaks in a soft and weak voice. Eoron: "Langst, I can¡¯t do anything. While I¡¯m sitting here, you¡¯ve been trying for a month." Sadness fills Eoron¡¯s voice: "I wish the earth would swallow me instead of this situation." Meeting Room of Anastasia Kingdom The Sacred Warrior, Aelius, is sitting in the meeting room waiting for the Higher Warriors to arrive. The Higher Warriors enter the room with quiet steps. Attack Warrior: Nuywaru Roden Defense Warrior: Renma Sheidel Support Warrior: Kanoui Volcharding Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Bow Warrior: Hitaro Voltaren Assassin Warrior: Lakora Travian Nature Warrior: Winda Kuwamodori Steel Warrior: Yutomri Ryom Future Warrior: Yukio Figalim Nuywaru: "Why did you want us here, Sacred Warrior?" Aelius: "To discuss the future of Anastasia Kingdom." Meanwhile, the assassination of the Director of the Grand Academy Zuo in the Ogrelia Kingdom is announced after a week of his death. North of Anastasia Kingdom Mary: "The Axis road is the shortest, but still, it will take us nearly a whole day to get there." Leo: "I understand that, but where are Beatrix and Kaiser?" Karez: "Oh, my God..." Neron: "Give me a moment." Neron closes his eyes to strengthen his Shinta sensing ability, and indeed... Neron: "I found them. They¡¯re not far." Beatrix and Kaiser were near a daimas Kaiser: "This Daimas is huge." Beatrix: "The size of the Daimas doesn¡¯t matter; it doesn¡¯t determine its rank." Kaiser: "I didn¡¯t know that. Can you assess this Daimas?" Beatrix: "From the Shinta emanating from it, I believe it¡¯s about rank C." At this moment, the others arrive at the location. Karez: "What did we say about splitting up??" Beatrix: "We were just-" Kinto: "Beatrix! A few days ago, we faced death, and some of us even died. We can¡¯t move recklessly, and this applies to you too, Kaiser." Beatrix: "F-Fine..." Kento lowers his head to take a deep breath and then proceeds to talk calmly: "We¡¯re not playing a children¡¯s game. Although we¡¯re students, we¡¯re also warriors. There are times when we need to act like students and times when we need to act like warriors." In a City of Anastasia There are two homeless young brothers. The younger brother speaks: "Brother, when will we return to Mom and Dad?" The older brother¡¯s throat tightens, but he speaks in the end: "Soon. Now let¡¯s continue our search in the trash." At this moment, a noble-looking boy passes by the alley. He looks at them and begins to laugh mockingly. The older brother places his hand on the younger brother¡¯s eyes. The older brother looks at the arrogant boy with a sad and silent face. 11:34 PM The students stop on the road in a forest. They set up their tents to rest after the long journey. Garin and Karez sit outside to keep watch for a while. While they sit, Karez speaks. Karez: "Garin." Garin: "What?" Karez: "Do you remember when I talked to you about my childhood?" Garin: "Yeah, I remember. What about it?" Karez: "Aren¡¯t you going to talk to me about your childhood? It¡¯s not fair like this." Garin: "I don¡¯t mind." 13 years ago Garin was a child who was late in speaking. He didn¡¯t learn to talk quickly, so he started speaking a little clearly at the age of five. But before that, at the age of three, he was thrown into an alley in one of the poor cities after his parents learned that he didn¡¯t have the lava ability. He didn¡¯t understand why they had thrown him there, so he sat waiting for them to return. He waited for an hour, then two. He felt fear and loneliness. The cold was biting. The darkness was terrifying. He began to cry. He lost consciousness from the cold, but shortly afterward, someone found him. They carried him and took him to their home. The house was old. This person took care of Garin and fed him. The person kept Garin in his home for a long time, and Garin came to consider him as his father. Though the man¡¯s financial situation was very poor, he tried to make Garin as happy as possible. Even though he wasn¡¯t his blood, he did everything possible for Garin. When Garin was five, he was able to ask the man his name, saying: "Daddy... what¡¯s your name?" The man was overjoyed that Garin spoke because he thought Garin was mute and couldn¡¯t talk. He answered: "Louis, my name is Louis." Garin answered slowly: "I¡¯m Garin." Although Garin couldn¡¯t speak well, he had a strong memory, and he remembered his name, but he didn¡¯t know the name of his family or clan because the Lavalik clan never tells the children their clan name until they¡¯re sure they have the lava ability, to prevent a person with another ability from being expelled from the clan and claiming they are from the Lavalik clan. Years passed, and the day Garin had been waiting for arrived. The day he could go to take the academy test. When he left, Louis closed the house door. He sat on the couch for a while. He began to cough heavily. Louis had a lung disease, but he didn¡¯t tell Garin so as not to stop him from pursuing his goal of going to the academy. A month before the end of the school year, Louis died. When Garin returned, he was shocked. He couldn¡¯t comprehend the situation. Louis¡¯s body was decaying. Garin told Karez about this, so he went with him to the lavalik family mansion. Present Karez: You managed to take the test even though you didn¡¯t go to school? Garin: School isn¡¯t necessary for the test. Didn¡¯t you know that? Karez: No, that¡¯s something new to me. Garin: Looks like I¡¯m smarter than you now. They both laugh as they look at the stars in the sky. Eleventh colleague The next day, the students continue their journey. After walking for three hours, they finally arrive at the Dwarfs city. A city with buildings that are small compared to human structures. The blacksmiths'' locations are clearly visible, but aside from that, the city seems small for a place meant to house an entire race. Itor: "Is this really a city for an entire race?" Hakan: "It looks like it only has around 20 people or something close to that." Karez: "The real Dwarfs city isn''t here; it''s underground." Hakan: "Underground?" Leo: "Are you saying they actually live underground and in mines?" Sai: "If that''s the case, then the school isn''t completely useless after all..." Beatrix: "It will still remain useless." Karez: "That''s right, most of them live underground." Arian: "Then how will we get underground?" Kinto: "We''ll find out once we enter the city first." Kaiser: "We''ll be able to request our weapons here!" Neron: "They must be of high quality." Mary: "I hope so." Garin: "I can''t imagine Kaiser with a spear." Kaiser: "Of course, I''ll look amazing, and I''ll attract many women!" Garin: "Now I really can''t imagine it." Mary: "This place is completely different from the Elfs city." Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Kani: "There''s also a distinct smell of smoke in the air." Kano: "Even though there aren''t enough blacksmiths for the smell to be this strong." Neron: "Let''s enter the city now. If we stay here, our questions will never end." As the students enter the city, they hear the voices of the dwarfs and the sound of metal being hammered. The streets are small for humans. A few dwarfs can be seen walking around here and there. Neron: "This is my first time seeing the Dwarfs city." Damian: "I imagined it to be smaller than this." Mary: "It''s probably the first time for all of us." After a bit of walking, a dwarf stops them, speaking: "Oh, you are students from Limitless Academy, aren''t you? I''m Karl. It''s wonderful to have you as our guests." Leo, surprised: "How do you know us?" Karl: "Of course, I know you. You are the ones who saved the Elfs city." Kano: "Saved it?" Garin: "That''s an exaggeration." Kaiser: "Did you hear that, Karez? We''re heroes! We''re heroes!" Karez: "I didn''t expect this." Damian: "It seems the news spread through the newspapers." Mary: "So we''ve become famous." Kinto: "That''s not good." Mary: "Why?" Kinto: "It will make it harder for us to move around." Sai: "Don''t worry about that now. Besides, we''re probably only known in the Kingdom of Anastasia." Itor: "We can take advantage of this." "Hakan:" "It won''t benefit me." Arian: "Can you forge something as solid as me?" Kyotai: "In a week, no one will remember us." Neron: "You''re right." Beatrix: "I was wondering why the newspaper crow was so insistent on selling me a paper yesterday. I didn''t have money, but this explains it." Kani: "Will we be able to eat for free?" Leo: "That''s what you''re thinking about..." Karl: "You must be in need of new weapons or perhaps repairs to your current ones. In the underground city, you''ll find a house larger than the others. There, you''ll meet the most skilled blacksmith in the city, Heves. Tell him you''re from Karl, so he''ll talk to you. He''s a bit stubborn, so be patient with him." Sai: "Heves, that''s a unique name." Beatrix: "I''ve heard that name somewhere before, but I can''t remember exactly where." "Karez: "Heves? I think he was mentioned in a fantasy novel." Kinto: "Yes, it was mentioned that he was a god of blacksmithing." Damian: "It was also said that he was a god of fire or at least considered one." Karl: "You all know a lot. Knowledge is always useful." Karez: "His name suits him." Karl: "That''s not his real name. It''s just what people call him" Leo: "Is he really that skilled as a blacksmith?" Karl: "You could say that." Sai: "That''s great." Karl: "Oh! I''m late. Good luck!" Mary: "The dwarfs seem kind. They''re not like what I heard about them." Sai: "What did you hear? That they eat humans?" Mary: "Of course not. Some people in the Elfs city said that dwarfs are unfriendly and wouldn''t welcome you into their city." Leo: "It''s obvious now that it''s just a rumor." As everyoneis talking to each other the city, Leo is thinking about something else: "Beyond that, Damian and Itor have been so quiet. They''ve spoken less since that incident. Losing the other four must have affected them deeply. We weren''t with them for long¡ªor at least, I wasn''t with them for long¡ªso I didn''t feel the same emotions they did. This world really needs to be fixed, doesn''t it, Sai?" Kinto: "Let''s continue. Now we have a clear destination." Leo: "After that, there''s something we need to discuss." Neron: "I think I know what you''re referring to." The students head to the center of the city to see if there''s a way to get underground. One month ago, Yarasou¡¯s office Yarasou: "You look tired. Didn''t you sleep last night?" Crystal: "No, I couldn''t sleep because of what you told me." Yarasou: "Even though I told you that story as superficially as possible, you¡¯re having nightmares because of it? Was it really that terrifying for you?" Crystal: "Terrifying and illogical." Yarasou: "I''m sorry about that." Crystal: "It''s fine. The truth is the truth, after all. But what puzzled me is why you told me something like that." Yarasou: "Because I trust you." Present, Head of security''s Office Head of security: "I didn''t expect you to come, Ice Ruler." Yarasou: "Unfortunately, no one can predict what I''m thinking." Head of security: "I can''t receive guests. The situation is bad right now." Yarasou: "Reception isn¡¯t important right now. I have something that will make you forget formalities." Head of security: "Speak. I don¡¯t have all day." Yarasou: "Is this your current attitude, my eleventh colleague?" Cursed sword The students continue on their way, but Sai suddenly stops. Sai: "Leo, Leo, look over there! It''s a restaurant!" Leo: "This is not the time to eat, man." Sai: "You go ahead with the others, but I¡¯m going to fill my stomach." Before Leo could speak, Kani and Kano were already heading toward the restaurant. Sai: "Wait for me!" Arian: "I won¡¯t go now... Wait... Where¡¯s Hakan?!" Neron: "Oh god..." Kinto: "Since we¡¯re in the city of the dwarfs, I think it should be fine." Beatrix: "Does that mean..." Kinto: "Yes, you can go have fun here." Kaiser: "I¡¯ll come with you, Beatrix." Arian: "I think I¡¯ll go break some rocks." Karez: "Itor, do you want to come with me?" Itor: "Where to?" Karez: "There¡¯s something I want to see here." Itor: "Alright, I¡¯ll come with you." Garin: "We¡¯ll be ordering the crafting of our weapons, so splitting up won¡¯t be an issue." Mary: "Does Sai ever get full?" Leo: "I don¡¯t think so." Damian: "Let¡¯s just keep moving." Leo: "Bu¡ª" Suddenly, a giant boar ridden by a child crashes into Leo. Mary: "W-What is that?!" Garin: "Children are a problem..." Kinto: "Is that a child or an insect? He¡¯s tiny." The child angrily speaks up. Loren: "I¡¯m not that small!!!" Leo: "Are all the kids here like this?!" Loren: "Shut up! You should bow when speaking to me! I am Loren, the Beast Tamer!" Leo stands up, brushing off the dust from the impact as he speaks sarcasticly: "I guess I should learn to ''bow'' to people like you, little one." Loren: "I am NOT little! Didn¡¯t you hear what I said?! I am the great Beast Tamer, Loren!" Leo: "Did you hear that, Kinto?" Kinto smirks sarcastically. Kinto: "Maybe you really should bow before he kills you, Leo." Loren: "You too, Flame Head! You should bow as well! I am the son of the great woman Heves!" Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Kinto: "Flame Head??!" Damian: "The great woman Heves?" Neron: "Is she a woman?" Loren: "And what about it??" Mary: "Then why did Karl refer to her as a man...?" Loren: "My mother doesn¡¯t go out into the city much, and even if she does, she doesn¡¯t go to the upper levels. That¡¯s why many think she¡¯s a man." Leo: "How is she still alive...?" Loren: "Because she¡¯s my mother! And my mother is great!" Neron: "Can you take us to your great mother?" Loren: "Of course!" The students follow Loren to Heves. Meanwhile, Sai and the others have already started eating at the restaurant. As they eat, Sai talks to the chef, who is reading a newspaper: "Sir, the food here is delicious. Why doesn¡¯t your restaurant have many customers?" The chef, with an old and indifferent voice, replies: "Most people just want fancy places with luxurious food, even if the food isn¡¯t tasty or filling: "Your voice... What¡¯s up with it...?" Chef: "I may look young, but I¡¯m 54 years old." Kani whispers to herself: "An old man..." Chef: "I heard that." Sai: "What are you reading in the newspaper?" Chef: "The assassination of the director of Zoo Academy in the kingdom of Ogrulia." The three are shocked by the sudden news. Kano: "W-What?!" Kani: "This brings back bad memories..." Sai: "This is really bad. What¡¯s happening to the world...?" Kano: "That leaves only Titans Academy in the kingdom of Great Nest..." At Beatrix and Kaiser¡¯s location Beatrix: "Is that a bug?" Kaiser: "Do you not know what a rat is?" At the city center Mary: "So this is the elevator?" Leo: "It¡¯s just a platform." Loren: "It will lower you down. Once you reach the bottom, you will know where my mother is." Kinto: "That¡¯s good." Garin: "tha¡ª" Before Garin could finish speaking, Loren runs off into the forests outside the city. Damian: "Let¡¯s go down." Neron: "Heves, huh? I wonder what she looks like." They stand on the platform, which has a lever in the middle. Neron pulls it, and the platform begins to descend. The underground space is vast. Despite being underground, there are many lights illuminating the area, along with small glowing creatures flying through the air. The underground city is much larger than the one above, with even more dwarves present. Mary: "What are these flying lights?" Leo: "I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never seen anything like them before." One of the glowing lights lands on Mary¡¯s finger, revealing itself to be a butterfly with luminous wings. Mary: "It¡¯s a butterfly!" Garin: "A glowing butterfly? That¡¯s completely new." As the platform descends, Damian notices a large building at the end of the city. Damian: "I think that¡¯s Heves¡¯s house." Neron: "Loren said we¡¯d recognize it when we see it. And karl said her house is bigger than the rest in here. " Once they reach the ground, the platform stops, and they start walking. At Karez and Itor¡¯s location The two arrive at a small lake surrounded by flowers and plants. The trees have long leaves that almost touch the ground. Karez: "The place is still beautiful." Itor: "Have you been here before?" Karez: "Yes, my mother took me here when I was a child. It¡¯s my most cherished memory." Itor: "I can see why." Karez: "The water, the trees, the flowers¡ªthey¡¯re all beautiful." Itor: "They remind me of someone." Karez: "I think I know who." Underground ¨C At Heves¡¯s house The seven arrive at the large building and knock on the door. After about half a minute, someone opens it. It¡¯s Heves¡ªnaturally short, being a dwarf, dressed in dirty clothes, and holding a large hammer. Heves: "Are you here for weapons?" Leo: "Yes." Heves: "Come in." Mary: "I didn¡¯t expect it to be this easy..." Garin whispers to Mary: "Karl said she was hard to reach, but it seems that¡¯s not true at all." Heph: "I can hear you. Karl... only a few really know me well. Since I don¡¯t leave my house, many assume I¡¯m hard to approach." Garin: "That¡¯s... good, I guess..." Damian: "Karl said your real name isn¡¯t Heves. What¡¯s your real name?" Heves: "My name is Kara." Damian: "I¡¯m Damian." Mary: "I¡¯m Mary." Garin: "Garin." Neron: "I¡¯m Neron." Kinto: "Kinto." Leo: "I¡¯m Leo." Kyotai: "Kyotai." Kara: "Not that it really matters. Come with me." Leo: "That wasn¡¯t very nice..." The seven enter the forge, where Leo sees a familiar face. Leo: "Y-You... Myuso?!" Myuso: "Leo?! What are you doing here?" Leo: "I should be asking you that!" Myuso: "It''s a bit complicated... You could say I''m here to meet someone." Leo says teasingly: "are you interested in one of the dwarfs?" Myuso: "Of course not." Mary: "Who is this?" Leo: "Oh, this is Myuso. Sai and I met him at the capital center of Anastasia." Mary: "I see. I''m Mary. Nice to meet you, Miuso." Myuso: "I''ve already heard your names. The pleasure is mine." Leo: "So, who do you want to meet? If you don¡¯t mind telling us." Myuso: "To be honest... I don¡¯t know." Garin: "Huh..." Mary: "What is this now..." Leo: "How do you not know...?" Kinto: "What¡¯s up with your acquaintances, Leo...?" Myuso: "My friend Rivan told me I had to meet someone here." Leo: "Wait, wait! Rivan?! A person wearing a long, wide robe and lives in an abandoned house??" Myuso: "Yes? Do you know him?..." Leo: "Of course I know him¡ªactually, we all do. He trained us for two months. Or rather, he trained everyone except me..." Myuso: "A-ah... I see. Then he must have meant you all." Kara: "What are you all talking about? Don¡¯t waste my time." Damian: "We want you to make some weapons for us. The price doesn¡¯t matter¡ªwe just want the best quality." Kara: "The price doesn¡¯t matter? Since you''re Myuso¡¯s acquaintances, I''ll make whatever you need for free." Mary: "Really??" Damian: "I wasn¡¯t expecting that." Neron: "Looks like the townsfolk really don¡¯t know you." Garin: "I love anything that¡¯s free." Kinto: "Same here." Kyotai: "At least..." Leo: "So you know her, Myuso?" Miuso: "Yeah, she¡¯s kind of an old acquaintance." Kara: "Tell me, what exactly do you all need?" Damian: "To be honest, we need quite a few things." Damian requests a spear for Kaiser, while Garin asks for some improvements to his sword. Neron requests two swords, whereas Kyotai asks for a single sword but takes some time explaining its design. However, when Kinto takes out his daggers and shows them to Kara, she is visibly shocked. She speaks in disbelief: "H-how do you have this dagger...?" Kinto: "What do you mean?" Kara: "Where did you get it?!" Kinto: "I found it when I was a kid." Kara: "How... What¡¯s your full name?" Kinto: "Kinto Shinga." Kara: "Shinga...? I see... Congratulations." Kinto: "What do you mean by that?" Kara: "You¡¯ll find out what i mean one day. For now, I¡¯ll make some modifications to your daggers." Kinto: "Don¡¯t change their appearance." Kara: "Don¡¯t worry. What about you, black-haired guy?" Leo: "I don¡¯t really need anything, but could you take a look at my sword?" Leo takes out his sword, Lin. Kara examines it and holds it, but she senses a strong aura from it. Kara: "W-what... Could it be...?" Leo: "What?" Kara hands the sword back to Leo and says, Kara: "I can¡¯t do anything to your sword." Leo: "Why?" Kara: "Your sword... is cursed." Tow leaders Kara: "Your sword... is cursed." Leo: "W-What?? How??" Mary: "What do you mean by that?" Kinto: "Does that mean he''s going to die?" Leo: "Why are you wishing for my death?!" Neron: "Cursed?" Kyotai: "Interesting." Damian: "I didn''t think anything would catch your interest." Garin: "tell us more please, Kara." Kara: "There are cursed weapons all over the world, whether swords or otherwise. Cursed weapons have a will of their own." Leo: "A will of their own?" Kara: "Yes. As strange and unbelievable as it sounds, it''s true. These weapons choose their wielder. If the wielder is not worthy, just using the weapon will curse them, and the curse will not be light." Leo: "By using it, do you mean just swinging the sword?" Kara: "Yes. From the very first swing, your fate is sealed. But if you can clearly sense the weapon¡¯s aura, you will know whether it has chosen you or not." Leo: "That means Lin... acknowledged me." Kara: "Exactly. And I don''t sense any sword curse from you." Leo: "Good to hear that." Kara: "As I said, I can''t do anything for your sword. But I believe there is someone who can." Leo: "Really?? Who?" Mary: "People who can work on cursed weapons?" Garin: "Who are they?" Kara: "My sisters." Damian: "Your sisters?" Kara: "Yes, I''m the youngest in my family. My two older sisters are also blacksmiths, but they are in different kingdoms." Kinto: "Did you all separate or something?" Kara: "You could say that. Kara, Afra, and Imara¡ªyou could call us the finest blacksmiths in the world." Mary: "T-That''s amazing!" Leo: "The finest blacksmiths? That¡¯s really something special." Garin: "Our weapons are going to be top quality, no doubt." Kara: "One of my sisters might be able to work on your sword." Leo: "I''m looking forward to meeting them!" Kara chuckles before speaking again. Kara: "You can all go now. The weapons you ordered will be ready in a maximum of two weeks." Neron: "That¡¯s all we needed." Garin speaks to his sword: "We''ll be apart for two weeks, then." Kyotai: "I''ll finally let go of my wooden sword in two weeks. That¡¯s unfortunate." Leo: "Did you grow attached to it?" Kyotai: "Almost." Leo: "Didn¡¯t expect that response from you." Mary: "Me neither." Kyotai: "Shut up." Mary: "That''s Kyotai for you." Kento speaks to his daggers: "Two weeks without you, huh? I''ll become stronger to be worthy of wielding you." Damian: "Two weeks¡­ I wonder what we¡¯ll do in the meantime." Leo: "You''ve been quiet for a while, Myuso." Myuso: "To be honest, I didn¡¯t have anything to say, so I stayed silent." With Kaiser and Beatrix Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Beatrix: "Why do you wear a glove on just one hand, Kaiser?" Kaiser: ".....I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any harm in showing you." Kaiser pulls off the glove, revealing burn scars covering his entire palm. Beatrix: "W-What happened to your hand?" Kaiser: "Do you... know what happened in Karez¡¯s childhood?" Beatrix: "Yes? He told me before." Kaiser: "That¡¯s good. I can talk about it then. When I was little, I used to see Karez¡¯s mother getting beaten a lot. She was my favorite among my relatives. One day, when I saw her being beaten by my grandfather, I got the courage to step in and help her. But my grandfather was so furious that he used lava and burned my hand by accident." Beatrix: "W-What?? you were just a child??" Kaiser: "Yes¡­ Luckily, my hand is still here and wasn¡¯t completely melted." Beatrix: "At least..." At the restaurant Kano looks toward Kani. Kano thinking to himself: "You''re fighting while in pain, aren''t you, Kani? You talk while feeling sad. You think you¡¯re the weakest. You tell yourself that no matter how much you try, you¡¯ll always be left behind, don¡¯t you, Kani¡­" Sai: "Let¡¯s leave the restaurant now. We need to meet up with the others." Kani: "Let''s go." With Arian Arian: "Rocks aren¡¯t enough anymore. I think I need to move on to metals." With Hakan Hakan: "Where am I... What is this pit? Does it lead underground? Do I just jump in?" The platform rises, revealing Leo and the others, who see Hakan. Leo: "Where have you been, man?" Hakan: "I got lost." Mary: "How did you get lost when you were walking with us...?" At that moment, Beatrix, Karez, Kaiser, and Itor arrive. Karez: "Did you meet Heves?" Leo: "Her name is Kara." Karez: "Kara? I expected a more imposing name." Sai, Kani, and Kano arrive. Sai: "Hey." Kaiser: "Did you order my spear, Damian?" Damian: "Yeah." Kaiser, smiling in relief: "Thanks." Arian arrives. After everyone gathers, they book a room in a hotel and enter together. Itor: "I don''t think this is the best idea." Damian: "We don¡¯t have much choice; we don¡¯t have a lot of money, after all." Leo: "Now, let¡¯s get to the point. We¡¯ve been through tough times, moving in an unorganized and unsafe manner. That¡¯s why we need a leader to unite and guide us." Kinto: "I expected this." Kani: "A leader?" Kano: "They must be strong." Kaiser: "I don¡¯t think this requires much thought. I¡¯m the right choice for the leader!" Sai: "Absolutely not." Kaiser: "You didn¡¯t have to crush my hopes like that..." Beatrix: "A leader must be wise and intelligent." Mary: "Someone responsible who can handle even the most arrogant or reckless among us." Sai: "Someone who can make quick decisions." Arian: "Someone worthy of leadership, capable of making not just quick but also the most rational decisions." Hakan: "First, we should rule out some of the group¡ªKani, Kano, Mary, Kaiser, Arian, Garin, Itor, Sai, and Beatrix." Neron: "That leaves Leo, Kyotai, Kinto, Kariz, Damian, you, and me." Garin: "Makes sense." Kaiser: "Why was I excluded?!" Damian: "To make things easier, Kaiser. And as you can see, everyone agrees with the reasoning." Hakan: "I think I should exclude myself as well. I won¡¯t be able to lead everyone; it¡¯s too difficult for me. I¡¯m not the smartest here, and I believe most of my decisions are wrong." Karez: "Kinto is a good option, but he¡¯s a bit too short-tempered, which could cause problems." Kinto: "Short-tempered, huh..." Karez: "Also, my personality isn¡¯t suited for leadership I believe, So, I¡¯ll exclude myself as well." Leo: "Honestly, no matter how much I think about it, the two most qualified candidates are Neron and Kyotai. Right, Damian?" Damian: "I agree. We could serve as deputies at most." Kyotai: "I refuse to be under someone else¡¯s command." Neron: "You need to think logically, Kyotai." Kano: "Kyotai has strength, a good leadership personality, and quick decision-making. Meanwhile, Neron has intelligence, leadership skills, and rational decision-making." Sai: "And Neron is strong, even though he¡¯s never used his ability." Beatrix: "Speaking of that, what is your ability, Neron?" Neron: "I¡¯d rather not answer." Beatrix: "Alright, as you wish..." Kinto: "Not knowing your ability makes the decision harder. And Kyotai¡¯s personality makes it even tougher." Kani: "Why not have two leaders?" Kyotai: "If one leader is hard to deal with, short-tempered, and gets angry easily, then having another alongside him to calm him down and help with decisions could be a good idea. Two leaders aren¡¯t a bad option, but I don¡¯t know if Neron and I would get along." Mary: "Probably because you barely talk to anyone." Kyotai: "Alright, alright. What do you all say¡ªtwo leaders?" Sai: "I have no problem with it." Kani & Kano: "Neither do we." Leo: "The best possible idea." Damian: "This way, we won¡¯t need a deputy or anything like that." Itor: "Good idea." Hakan: "As long as we won¡¯t get lost again, I don¡¯t mind." Arian: "That¡¯s just you. My answer is yes." Beatrix: "I agree." Karez: "Looks like we¡¯ve reached a satisfying conclusion." Kaiser: "Even I can¡¯t argue with it." Garin: "I¡¯m okay with it." Kinto: "I guess I have to follow orders again... After getting rid of the teacher¡¯s orders, now two students will be bossing me around." Leo, mockingl: "Are you upset?" Kinto: "Shut up, charcoal head." Leo: "What did you say, tomato head?!" A Week and a Half Later Great Nest Kingdom The queen¡¯s advisor, Viren, speaks to her. Viren:" Your Majesty, do you have any orders?" Vespa: "Tighten security to the maximum level. I will be present at the academy with the director, so bring in stealth mages. Even if the director is killed, we must capture the assassins no matter what it takes¡ªotherwise, I can no longer call myself the ruler of the earth." Viren:" As you command. Pardon me." Queen Vespa is consumed by anger. Dwarf City While everyone is asleep in their hotel room, a loud knock on the door wakes them up in alarm. Sai: "What the hell is that?!" Sai opens the door to find Kara standing there. Kara: "Your weapons are ready." Leo: "Huh?? Didn¡¯t you say it would take two weeks?" Kara: "I just worked harder, that¡¯s all. I¡¯ll leave them here for you." Kara places the weapons beside the door and leaves. Kani: "What¡¯s with her?" Beatrix: "Is this really a way to wake someone up?" Garin picks up his weapon. Garin: "It¡¯s clearly sharper now." Kento: "Now I can provide my daggers with poison instead of just enveloping them." Kyotai: "The hilt is green." Kano: "It looks nice." Neron: "Two swords¡­ though I¡¯m still unsure." Kaiser: "My spear!! It¡¯s beautiful and amazing!" Karez: "Now that we¡¯re finally done, I¡¯m going back to sleep." Leo: "Me too." Mary: "Of course, I won¡¯t stay awake." Beatrix: "I feel sick." Kani: "That¡¯s bad." The students go back to sleep. Kyotai places his sword beside him before falling asleep. Two Hours Later 8:00 AM Myuso opens the door to their room. The moment he steps inside, Kyotai wakes up and places his sword against Myuso¡¯s neck. Myuso: "Are you going to do this to everyone now? I could have dodged it, you know." Kyotai: "You¡¯re annoying." Myuso: "I¡¯m here to make you all better than this." Kyotai: "Another training session?" Myuso: "Exactly." Kani wakes up. Kani: "Who is making all that noise¡­?!" She throws a pillow at Kyotai¡¯s face. Kyotai: "What the hell are you doing?!" Kani: "Shut up, I want to sleep." Myuso: "I think you should wake them up." Kyotai: "Just shut up." The students wake up. After breakfast, they head into a forest with Myuso. Garin: "You said you know him?" Sai: "Yeah, he¡¯s a fun guy." Garin: "I feel like he¡¯s going to kill us." Sai: "You guys feel that way about everyone." Myuso: "I assume you can all use Shinton?" Neron: "Of course." Myuso: "That will make things easier. There¡¯s something called Shinta Envelopment. You can envelop any part of your body with Shinta. For example, if you envelop your hands, you¡¯ll be able to punch harder. If you envelop your legs, you can run faster or deal stronger kicks. You can also use it to reduce damage¡ªif your opponent is about to hit your chest, enveloping it with Shinta will reduce the impact. It¡¯s useful for both offense and defense. And if you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll find even more ways to use it." Damian: "That¡¯s interesting." Itor: "But it¡¯s obvious that learning it won¡¯t be easy." Sai: "Not at all." Leo: "So, what do we do now?" Miyuso: "When you use Shinton, you extract Shinta in the form of a ball and launch it. But before you launch it, it¡¯s slightly attached to your skin. All you need to do is keep the extracted Shinta attached to your skin. Then, start trying to stabilize it on the part you want." Beatrix: "Easier said than done." Miyuso: "Of course." Two Weeks and Two Days Later Queen Vespa¡¯s plan fails. The director is assassinated, and they fail to capture any of the assassins. Queen Vespa¡¯s mind burns with frustration. Vespa: "Damn it¡­" The Next Day All the students have mastered Shinta Envelopment. They gather their belongings, and as they reach the city¡¯s exit, they find Karl, Kara, and Miyuso waiting for them. Leo: "So you¡¯re here." Karl: "It¡¯s been two weeks since I last saw you. But since Kara likes you all, I had to see you." Kara: "I don¡¯t like them." Myuso: "Be careful on your journey." Sai: "You too." Kento: "Don¡¯t die." Neron: "Thanks for the weapons." Kara: "No need to thank me." At that moment, one of the glowing butterflies lands on Mary¡¯s hand. Mary: "Can I ask what these butterflies are?" Kara: "They¡¯re glowing butterflies, as you can see. They are drawn to those with strong Shinta. Some of them follow a person they admire." Mary, smiling: "So it likes me." Kani: "We¡¯ve got a new companion." Kyotai: "We¡¯re leaving now." Everyone: "Goodbye." Sky kingdom Daniel was walking down the street among the people, deep in thought. "I am a man who doesn''t know what to do. I have no goal or passion. Sometimes, I talk to myself in my mind as if someone is listening¡ªjust like I''m doing now. But aside from that¡­ what is the purpose of living? Life¡­ what makes it so important? Why do so many people want to live, struggling to survive? To me, the only thing worth living for is money. As long as I have money, everything will be fine. Money¡­ money¡­ as long as I have it, everything will be fine¡­" --- Three hours after the students left the Dwarfs City Beatrix: "Leo, I have a question that''s been on my mind since we left the Dwarfs Village." "What is it?" Leo asked. Beatrix: "What is your dream?" "My dream? I want¡­ to bring peace to the world." Leo answered. "Darkness bringing peace? Sounds like a great story." beatrix said with a grin. Leo: "You should stop reading so many comics¡­" Beatrix: "But seriously, do you think peace is possible?" Leo: "Of course. Nothing is impossible." Beatrix: "I like your confidence." Leo: "What about you? What''s your dream?" "My dream? Me?..." Beatrix hesitated. Leo: "Yeah." Beatrix: "I¡­ don''t know." Leo: "Then why did you decide to join the academy?" "I was bored¡­" beatrix answered a bit embarrassed. Beatrix: "That''s fine. Let''s just say you wanted friends." "And I got them." Beatrix said smiling purely --- Neron: "Are you sure your ability is just walls?" "That''s what I know," Kyotai answered with the same disintersted tone Neron: "You should explore your ability more." Kyotai: "What about yours? Why don''t you tell anyone about it?" Neron: "I have my reasons¡­" "You do realize you probably won''t reach your full potential without your ability, right?" "If that''s reality, then I will destroy it!" Neron declared with a stern and determined look on his face, but his eyes still empty, but also hungry for power. --- "Itor," Damian called. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. "What?" Damian: "What are you thinking about?" "I just¡­ I don''t want Mary to replace Brika." Itor answered, his eyes still having lingering sadness for his first friend whi was his only one for a long period of time in his life. "Replace Brika?" Damian said, surprised a little. "Yeah, I feel like she''s being replaced by Mary in everyone''s eyes." Itor said looking at Brika. Damian: "You''re wrong. Mary never replaced Brika, and she never will. She''s one of the people who mourned her loss, even though she didn''t know her for long. So, don''t worry. Calm down." Itor: "I think I need to clear my mind." Damian: "Take your time." Itor: "How do you feel? You lost Siron, your childhood friend." Damian: "I''m trying to adjust¡­ It''s hard¡­ but I have to adapt." Itor: "Don''t push yourself too hard." --- "Kani, they told me you were amazing when you fought in the Elfs City," Kano said. "Yeah, you kicked that fast enemy spectacularly," Kaiser added. "Thank you both for saying that." Kani answered, visibly happy by their comments. Kaiser: "We''re just telling the truth." Kano smiled and thought to himself: "Don''t ever think you''re weak, Kani. You''re strong and truly unique." --- "What do you think we''ll see in Sky Kingdom?" Karez asked. "I''m looking forward to finding out because I have no idea," Garin replied. Karez: "Leaving the kingdom is something I''ve never done before." Garin: "It will be a unique experience." Karez: "Definitely." --- "Did you make any new poisons while we were in the Dwarfs City?" Sai asked. "I didn''t make many because I had already prepared some in the Elfs City. But making some poisons has become easier now," Kinto replied. Sai: "You need to prepare before a fight. That''s annoying." "That''s called patience," Mary said. kinto: "Exactly," Mary: "What''s the difference between your old daggers and your new ones?" Kinto: "Before, I could only coat my daggers with poison. But now, I asked Kara to install an internal system in them. There are now buttons on the dagger''s handle¡ªeach one switches the stored poison type." Sai: "That''s amazing!" Mary: "That will make things much easier for you," Kinto: "Of course." --- "Your hands," Hakan said. "What about them?" Arian asked. Hakan: "There are no impact marks on them. It looks like breaking rocks has become easy for you." Arian: "Indeed. I should start training on metals now." Hakan: "Rocks won''t make your hardening stronger anymore." Arian: "That''s right." One hour of walking later, a figure appears before the students¡ªit''s Silva Ryum. Silva: "I finally found you." Leo: "S-Silva??!" Sai: "What are you doing here?" Kano: "Did you become a fan?" Silva: "When I saw you in the newspaper, I wanted to meet you. But I was busy, so I only managed to catch up with you now, after you left the Dwarfs City. I also want to help you with something, heroes." Kinto: "Help us?" Beatrix: "We''ve been getting a lot of great opportunities thanks to the Elfs City." Damian: "What do you want to help us with?" Silva: "With reaching your next destination." Mary: "How do you even know our next destination?" Arian: "Are you spying on us?" Silva: "After you left the Elfs City, you headed to the Dwarfs City. Usually, the Dwarfs City is the last stop for travelers before they set out to other kingdoms because they go there to craft, upgrade, or repair their weapons before moving on. The closest kingdoms to Anastasia are Sky, Atlantis, and Ogrulia. Obviously, you wouldn''t head to Ogrulia first, since it''s a great kingdom and you''d likely leave it for later. That leaves Sky and Atlantis, both of which require a guide to enter, as gaining entry isn''t simple." The students are stunned by Silva''s analysis and intelligence. Itor: "Oh, my god¡­" Karez: "What an analysis¡­" Neron: "I never expected paying attention to small details to be this important." Kani: "That''s amazing¡­" Leo: "Silva¡­ You''re incredible! That''s why I want to surpass you!" Silva: "That''s the spirit." They start moving with Silva. After half an hour, they arrive at a place entirely different from the forest surroundings¡ªa vast empty space with a single pillar. Silva walks toward the pillar as the students whisper among themselves, wondering what he''s about to do. He pulls out a card and places it on the pillar. He then steps back, and suddenly, the pillar expands, revealing an entrance. Silva: "I can''t go any further. Step inside, and you''ll understand what''s next." Though surprised, the students have no other choice. If this is the only way to reach their next destination, they must take it. They step inside, and as the door closes, they suddenly feel themselves ascending. This is the rocket that transports Anastasia''s students to the Sky Kingdom. It was specially designed for them by the Sky Kingdom at the request of Limitless Academy. The students are in awe. Hakan: "W-We''re flying??!" Kani: "I feel dizzy¡­" Beatrix: "I have a feeling the Academy had a hand in this." Kaiser: "I never thought something like this existed!" Karez: "This rocket draws its power from stored Shinta. Current technology isn''t advanced enough to create something like this, so the best alternative is to store Shinta and use it as energy." Sai: "Complicated¡­ but amazing!" Kyotai, to himself: "Rivan¡­ is this something you also knew? Because you''re really starting to impress me." Leo, to himself: "Limitless Academy¡­ never ceases to amaze me!" Forty-five minutes later, the rocket stops. The door opens, and as the students step out, they are greeted by a man with white wings¡ªhis name is Lunan. Lunan: "Welcome, students of Limitless Academy. I''d like to welcome you to the floating lands¡ªthe Sky Kingdom." The students look ahead and see islands suspended in the air. They are at cloud level. Waterfalls cascade from the floating islands down to the sea below¡ªthe Sky Sea. Plants dangle from the islands like giant vines stretching down to a place beyond their sight. Leo: "This¡­ is beautiful¡­" Sai: "The height is insane¡­" Kaiser: "Am I dreaming¡­?" Itor: "Rest assured, this is all real. My homeland is spectacular in every way." Kaiser: "Y-Your homeland?!" Mary: "You never mentioned that this was your homeland before." Beatrix: "And you don''t have wings. Every member of the Sky race is supposed to have wings." Itor: "It''s a bit of a long story¡­ Let''s just say we migrated here." Lunan: "Awe isn''t what you should be focused on right now. You won''t be able to enter the kingdom so easily, students of Limitless Academy." Karez: "What do you mean?" Lunan: "Didn''t you wonder why there was a ''Rokin'' specifically to transport Limitless Academy students to Sky?" Hakan: "Rokin?" Arian: "Is that a kind of food?" Kano: "Are they speaking in riddles or what?" Garin: "He must mean the ''rocket'' that brought us here." Kyotai: "Are you saying we have to do something to enter? From the way you''re speaking, it doesn''t sound simple." Lunan: "Exactly. Only those who can land a single hit on me will be allowed to enter the kingdom." The four Lunan: "Exactly. Only those who can land a single hit on me will be allowed to enter the kingdom." Leo: "That means we''re all getting in!" Lunan: "Such confidence." Kaiser: "You''re mistaken. This isn''t just confidence¡ªit''s reality." Lunan: "Then let''s begin." Leo uses Black Hole, but Lunan flies with his wings. Damian and Beatrix attempt to obstruct him in the air by controlling the wind. Sai then jumps towards him, trying to land a hit, but Lunan dodges. At that moment, Kani launches glass shards at him, but Lunan blocks them. Kyotai uses his ability to create a wall above Lunan. Lunan moves, but Neron appears behind him, aiming a punch. Lunan, however, blocks it with his hand. Then, Mary stands on Kaiser''s spear. Kaiser throws the spear, and karez controls it with his ability, allowing Mary to reach Lunan. At that moment, Mary''s bow transforms into a staff, and she lands a surprise hit on Lunan, becoming the first to strike him. Seizing the opportunity, Kani attacks him with a shard of glass, successfully hitting him. Karez also uses his ability to hurl a small piece of metal at Lunan. Hakan enhances his physical strength using his ability. Taking advantage of this boost, he throws Arian towards Lunan and leaps towards him as well. Itor fires mercury arrows to distract Lunan, allowing Arian to strike him. Hakan then attempts to land a blow, but Lunan blocks it and knocks him to the ground. At that moment, Kaiser seizes the opportunity and releases a small amount of lava, successfully hitting Lunan. Leo uses Gravity Point to pull Lunan toward him, but Lunan''s resistance is strong. So, Leo reverses the Gravity Point, pulling himself toward Lunan instead, then strikes him with his other hand. Leo then pulls Hakan and Sai using Gravity Point, allowing them to hit Lunan as well. Kyotai launches continuous attacks on Lunan, giving Itor the chance to strike Lunan with mercury on his shoulder. At the same moment, Kento throws his dagger, slightly injuring Lunan''s hand. Neron then engages in hand-to-hand combat with Lunan while Kyotai attacks with his ability. Beatrix fires a shot from her rifle, causing a small scratch on Lunan. Damian uses Claw fighting style, forming Shinta claws on his hands. Taking advantage of Neron and Kyotai''s distraction, he lands a minor injury on Lunan. Finally, it is revealed that Garin had been flying beneath Lunan the entire time using his ability, waiting for his chance. He kicks Lunan''s leg, causing Neron, Kyotai, Kano, and others to launch a final attack, successfully hitting him. Lunan descends to the ground. Lunan: "I truly didn''t expect this. You are strong¡ªstronger than the students of past years." Kento: "We already knew that." Lunan heals himself using his healing ability. Lunan: "You may enter Sky Kingdom, students of Limitless Academy." The students thank Lunan and finally enter Sky Kingdom. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Lunan thinks: The strongest among them created opportunities for the weaker ones to hit me, ensuring that they were the last ones left because they were confident in their ability to strike me. This year''s students are truly exceptional. Sai: "Mary, how did your bow suddenly turn into a staff? You''ve never done that before, as far as I remember." Leo: "Yeah, I''m wondering the same thing. How did you do it?" Mary: "It''s related to the fighting styles. The instructor I trained under had mastered two styles: archery as a primary style and staff fighting style as a secondary one. Because of my archery skills, he suggested I learn the staff style as well." Kento: "But how did your bow transform into a staff like that?" Mary: "I asked Kara to do it. I don''t know how they manage to do something like this, but they can." Leo: "Kara is truly amazing." Kaiser: "If the Sky Race has wings, doesn''t that mean Brika''s ability is useless?" Damian: "Yeah, but we can''t talk about that right now." Damian looks at Itor, signaling his point to Kaiser. Kaiser: "O-okay¡­" Limitless Academy ¨C The Day Before Elizabeth: "The three? Who are they?" Grif: "Do you really not know them? They''re the three strongest warriors in Anastasia Kingdom." Elizabeth: "Living among noble families spares you from knowing what happens in the world. But I assume the Sacred Warrior is one of them, probably the strongest. Then, the other two must be from the Higher Warriors, right?" Grif: "Wrong. The other two aren''t Higher Warriors, and I don''t think the Sacred Warrior is the strongest among them." Elizabeth: "Huh? Then who are they?" Grif: "Yaraso Vitalis, Aelius Ryum, and Langst Vitaline. Those are the three." Elizabeth: "The head Director¡­ and Langst?! I can understand the head Director, but Langst? Seriously?" Grif: "You don''t know him. If Langst gets serious in a fight, he becomes a demon. In fact, that''s exactly what he''s known as¡ªthe Demon of the Earth." Elizabeth: "D-Demon of the Earth¡­?" Grif: "He shows no mercy to any opponent, no matter their strength or status. He always ends his fights by cutting off his opponent''s head. Moreover, along with Yaraso and Aelius, they are the only ones capable of using more than one type of Shingen." Elizabeth furrows her brows, doubting Grif''s words. Elizabeth: "You''re making this up, aren''t you? That''s impossible." Grif: "Believe it or not, it''s the truth." Silence lingers for a moment before Grif breaks it. Grif: "Or maybe¡­ I was wrong when I said three." Elizabeth: "What do you mean?" Grif: "Nine years ago, there was someone named Rivan Norutoshi. If he hadn''t been exiled from the kingdom¡­ he would have been the fourth." Elfs City, Present As Emory walks along the city''s borders, he sees a human man attempting to rob two elfs girls. Emory: "Are you trying to rob women? Can a person be this disgraceful?" The man responds: "Do you want to die, you filthy elf?!" The man attempts to attack Emory, but Emory swiftly draws a sword from his clothes and kills him. Emory: "Anyone who strikes an innocent woman is nothing more than a disgusting lowlife." One of the girls speaks up:"D-Did you kill him?..." Emory, with a calm smile: "Yes." Elf Girl: "Was that really necessary¡­?" Emory: "Don''t worry. The kingdom has granted us the right to do whatever we please with those who trespass on our land. You can go now. Have a great day." Elf Girls: "Thank you!" Emory, to himself: It''s fine. After all, I am the greatest power in the Elfs City¡­ After delivering the man''s corpse to the authorities, Emory strolls through the city. Emory, to himself: Even with the presence of bad humans, there are good ones too¡ªlike Leo, his friends, and others. Speaking of them, back then, they made up about 25% of my strength. As for someone like Rivan, they probably made up only 10% of his strength. Rivan, you''ve trained them well. Limitless Academy Elizabeth: "Have you heard what happened?" Grif: "What?" Elizabeth: "Haven''t you heard about the meeting of the Higher Warriors and the Sacred Warrior?" Grif: "That was a month ago." Elizabeth, surprised: "W-What?..." Grif: "That meeting happened a month ago." Elizabeth: "Damn it..." Grif: "Did you just hear about it now?" Elizabeth speaks slowly: "Well... after you told me all that information, I started reading the newspapers so I could share something interesting with you too¡­ but it seems I was too late¡­" Grif''s eyes gleam before he runs a hand through his hair and says: "No, that in itself is amazing." Elizabeth: "R-Really??" Grif: "Yes." Elizabeth smiles and says:"Thank you." Grif: "You''re welcome." Outside the teachers'' room, Langst stands after overhearing their conversation. Langst, to himself: I don''t think this is the right time to enter. Director''s Office Corner: "On what basis is one of the three chosen?" Euron: "It depends on the students'' strength. If they''re weak, the second academic stage follows the first plan. If they''re stronger, it follows the second plan. And if they''re even stronger than that, the third plan is implemented." Corner: "The third plan involves sending students into the outside world. Does that mean this year''s students are strong enough?" Euron: "They''re the strongest students to have ever entered the second stage¡ªstronger than all their predecessors. Except for Yaraso, Langst, Aelius, and Rivan, of course." Corner: "That exiled man was among them too?" Euron: "Yes. I still don''t know what he did to deserve exile. I can''t believe someone like him was banished..." Fourth Garden Langst: "So it begins¡ªthe Higher Warriors'' Tournament." The higher warriors tournament The Fourth Garden Langst: So, it''s about to begin... the Supreme Warriors Tournament. Anastasia Kingdom ¨C higher Warriors Tournament Arena Announcer: Welcome, dear spectators! Today, after four long years, the higher Warriors Tournament is finally about to begin! We are just minutes away from the grandest event in Anastasia Kingdom! And, of course, attending this event is the greatest power of Anastasia Kingdom¡ªthe Sacred Warrior, Aelius Ryum! The stadium erupts into cheers. The excitement is palpable. Aelius, thinking: This tournament is not just for entertainment. It exists so that the people of the kingdom can witness the greatest warriors and place their trust in them completely. Announcer: As we all know, the winning team will receive golden medals, and the most outstanding participant will be awarded the Diamond Medal! Aelius, thinking: Team members are selected randomly, but the selection is also balanced as much as possible. Of course, a team made up entirely of support or defense warriors couldn''t possibly go up against an attack-focused team. The teams are displayed on the massive screens. Announcer: The first team! Nuywaru Roden Kanoui Volcharding Hitaro Voltaren Winda Kuamodori The second team! Yutomori Ryum Renma Shidel Lakora Travian Yukio figalim The audience roars with excitement. They''ve been waiting years to see a battle between Nuywaru and Yukio! As the higher Warriors step onto the battlefield, the tension rises. Announcer: Here they are¡ªthe greatest forces of Anastasia Kingdom! The Eight higher Warriors! Nuywaru: Yukio, get ready. You¡¯re the one I¡¯m going to pin down. Yukio, smirking: As if I¡¯d let you lay a hand on me. Kanoui: I didn¡¯t expect us to be on opposing sides. Renma: Agreed. Hitaro: Lakora, let¡¯s see which is more effective¡ªmy precision or your speed. Lakora: The fight will be over before you even land a shot. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Yutomori: I don¡¯t want to face you, so I¡¯ll go after the others. Winda: I won¡¯t allow that. Yutomori, thinking: Love is a problem... Announcer: The grand battle is about to begin! Will Nuywaru succeed, or will Yukio foresee everything?! Will Kanoui''s support compensate for Renma¡¯s defense, or will it be the other way around? Will Hitaro, the sharpshooter, win, or will Lakura, the master manipulator, prevail? Will plants triumph over steel?! This year''s match-up is unbelievably thrilling! The teams take their positions, standing meters apart. Announcer: 3... 2... 1... Begin, higher Warriors! At the sound of the signal, Hitaro leaps high into the air, scanning the battlefield, then immediately fires four arrows at the opposing team. Renma quickly raises a wall of earth in front of him. Name: Renma Shidel Ability: Earth Yutomori¡¯s Shingen activates¡ªit¡¯s the Absolute Sense, allowing him to instantly detect incoming attacks and automatically counter them with his steel ability. Name: Yutomori Ryum Ability: Steel Lakora effortlessly deflects an arrow with his dagger. Yukio dodges another with eerie calm, as if he already knew it was coming. Hitaro: You haven¡¯t changed much. Yukio: Are you testing us, Hitaro? Name: Yukio Ability: See five seconds into the future Winda then unleashes her ability, making plants erupt from the ground to attack the opposing team. Name: Winda Kuamodori Ability: Plants Meanwhile, Hitaro continues to search for an opening to strike Lakora. Kanoui enhances Nuywaru''s and Hitaro¡¯s speed while using a Shingen of defense to shield Winda. Nuywaru charges at full speed towards Yukio, who remains eerily still. As Nuywaru reaches him, he attempts to land a blow, but Yukio narrowly evades it. Yukio: Even though I saw it coming, you''re unbelievably fast. Nuywaru: And now that I have Kanoui''s enhancement, you won¡¯t escape next time. Their battle intensifies as they exchange rapid blows with incredible agility. Suddenly, Yukio ducks¡ªHitaro had fired another arrow at him. But then Hitaro activates his Shingen of Control, redirecting the arrow at lightning speed. Yukio is struck, and the arrow vanishes. Name: Hitaro Voltaren Ability: Target Location When Hitaro hits someone with an arrow, he gains the ability to see their exact location for one full minute¡ªanywhere they are. He can also share this ability with his allies, which he does immediately, making Yukio visible to Nuywaru. Yukio can no longer hide. On the other side of the battlefield, Hitaro is still locked onto Lakora, but Lakora''s sheer speed makes it nearly impossible to land a shot, even with the Shingen of Control. Suddenly, Lakora appears in front of Kanoui. Hitaro tries to fire an arrow, but in an instant, Lakora disappears and reappears behind Hitaro, placing a dagger at his throat. Hitaro: I lost this quickly, huh? Lakora: That makes three left. Name: Lakura Travian Ability: Manipulation of the Five Senses Lakora moved towards Hitaro, but he activated his ability to manipulate Hitaro¡¯s vision, making him see him in front of Kanoui. While everyone was distracted, Renma reached Kanoui, forcing her to cancel the enhancement and focus on facing Renma. Although Renma is a defensive warrior and Kanoui is a support warrior, their combat skills should not be underestimated. As for Yutomri, he didn¡¯t want to fight Winda, so he simply avoided her attacks. Finally, Nuywaru was able to touch Yukio in a surprising moment, activating his ability and turning the surroundings into a long road. Nuywaru: "How about we have some tea here?" Nuywaru''s ability activates when he touches someone. They enter a place with a long road that they must walk on for an hour. Every second in this place drains physical strength and Shinta, and fighting cannot take place here. Yukio: "Damn..." Aelius: "This fight is unfair. With Kanoui, Winda, and Hitaro all on one team, while the enemy has Yutomeri, Lakora, and even Yukio... What¡¯s the point of such a division...? Could he be trying to shine the spotlight on the other warriors? Nuywaru and Yukio were the most outstanding warriors in the past years, so perhaps the king is trying to make the other warriors the focus as well. But what a foolish way to go about it. A person like him couldn¡¯t possibly do something so obvious... Is he underestimating the intelligence of the people? Or has the people really become this foolish...?" After Hitaro¡¯s defeat and the fight between Nuywaru and Yukio reaching a halt, the battle became one-sided. Renma defeats Kanoui thanks to his Earth ability, and at the same time, Lakora manipulates Winda¡¯s senses to reach her and defeat her. Announcer: "Team Yukio is the winner!" After hearing the announcer''s words, Nuywaru deactivates his ability and announces his surrender. Nuywaru: "The result was clear from the start." Yukio: "But you beat me this time." Nuywaru: "Of course." Winda: "You didn¡¯t do anything." Yutomeri: "I said I don¡¯t want to fight you." Winda: "Stop underestimating me." Yutomeri, thinking: "I¡¯m not underestimating you." Hitaro: "And so, speed and manipulation have won." Lakora: "Of course, Rabbit Eyes." Hitaro: "Who are you calling Rabbit?" Kanoui: "That wasn¡¯t fair. I could have beaten you." Renma: "Yeah, yeah, whatever." After this quick encounter, the top warriors rest. Aelius: "Clearly, the king succeeded in this. He wanted Nuywaru to trap Yukio so that they would be out of sight, and for Winda¡¯s focus to be on Yutomeri, who likes her... When I think about it, I don¡¯t know how she doesn¡¯t know he likes her. I think she¡¯s really dumb... The fight between Hitaro and Lakora was enough to showcase Lakora¡¯s skills and Hitaro¡¯s planning, while Renma and Kanoui always remained at the bottom in terms of confrontations. The king clearly doesn¡¯t care about them in this tournament." Announcer: "Now, we will announce the medalists!" Yukio figalim, winner of the third Gold Medal! He demonstrated unique combat skills, and his ability alone makes any fight thrilling and exciting! Nuywaru Roden, winner of the second Gold Medal! The first person to charge directly into the enemy team and engage with Yukio, with his incredible speed and unparalleled intuition, we witnessed a fight of the highest caliber! Lakora Travian, winner of the Diamond Medal! The only one who was able to defeat two top warriors, and with his unimaginable ability, Lakora ascended to the throne of this tournament! Aelius: "Did the king want to highlight Lakora¡¯s excellence? But why... Why Lakora specifically? Could the tournament have been planned from the start?..." Skyram The Kingdom of Sky consists of five islands: one large central island surrounded by smaller ones. The capital is in the middle, and the islands are named Era, Ara, Renis, Tiran, and finally, the capital, Haran. The students were divided among these five islands using the Island Rokin, based on a lottery they conducted among themselves. The First Island: Era The plants on this island float as if they have a will of their own. They move within and above the island but do not leave its borders. Garin: "This place is full of strange plants." Kaiser: "It¡¯s like the plants have wings." Kano: "I think they actually do. Do you think it¡¯s normal for plants to fly?" Karez: "It seems like everything in the Sky Kingdom floats." Garin: "But they¡¯re beautiful. I never expected to see things from my dreams come to life." Kano: "I didn¡¯t think you even dream when you sleep." Garin: "My dreams are really weird, man." As Kaiser moves, he bumps into a floating plant. The plant slaps him across the face before continuing on its way. Kaiser: "W-what?? Did that plant just slap me?!" Karez: "Slap you? Are you imagining things now, Kaiser?" Kaiser: "I swear it slapped me!" A nearby person overhears their conversation and speaks up: "It probably did slap you." Kaiser: "See, Karez?! I¡¯m not lying!" Karez: "But how¡­" Kano, curious: "Is that even possible?" The person introduces himself: "I''m Ling, and yes, this is possible in our kingdom." Garin: "Garin." Kano: "I¡¯m Kano." Karez: "And I¡¯m Karez." Kaiser: "I¡¯m Kaiser." Ling: "Nice to meet you all. The plants on Era Island do indeed have a will of their own. They live and communicate with each other in a way that¡¯s obvious but inaudible to us. They¡¯re intelligent plants." Karez: "Will? Intelligent plants? That¡¯s hard to believe¡­" Garin: "Everything here is hard to believe, man¡­" Ling: "That slap didn¡¯t hurt, right, Kaiser?" Kaiser: "N-no, it just felt like it brushed my face." Ling: "Consider it just a reprimand. After all, plants don¡¯t cause harm.'' Kano:" The Sky Kingdom seems amazing." Garin: "It truly is." The Second Island: Ara This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. On this island, water behaves strangely. It first appears as a ring around the island, then shifts into a hollow cube surrounding it, continuously changing shape. Arian: "The Sky Kingdom is weird. I want to go back to the Dwarfs City." Neron: "It¡¯s definitely strange, but it¡¯s also unique." Kyotai: "Damn that lottery." Neron: "Did you want to go to the capital?" Kyotai: "Yeah." Neron: "You seem more honest than before." Kyotai: "Shut up." Arian: "What are we supposed to do here?" Neron: "Enjoy some peace while admiring the beauty of the place." After a brief silence, Neron speaks again: "I¡¯m starting to suspect that "Rivan" is behind everything happening to us." Kyotai: "Does that mean Yaraso is a bad person since he¡¯s Rivan¡¯s friend?" Neron: "So you think Rivan is a bad person?" Kyotai: "My suspicions have reached the sky." Arian: "Then why are you still following his suggestion? If it¡¯s a trap, do you wanna walk right into it?" Kyotai: "Exactly. If it¡¯s a trap, I¡¯ll walk into it, crush it completely, and then kill Rivan with my sword." Neron: "Do you enjoy flirting with death?" Kyotai: "I am death." A chill runs down Arian¡¯s spine before he notices a library nearby. Arian: "Should we go to that library?" Neron: "Good idea. We might find useful information about the Sky Kingdom. Let¡¯s go." The Third Island: Rennis Kani: "I don¡¯t understand why they call this the Cave Island." Beatrix: "Is it even possible for caves to exist on a floating island?" Hakan: "Yes. There are rumors that the island is collapsing from within, while other stories claim that people once searched for resources here, believing it to be a treasure trove. They called it the Resource Paradise." Kani: "You have some impressive knowledge, Hakan." Hakan: "I used to love the Sky Kingdom when I was a kid. I read a lot about it." Beatrix: "I don¡¯t blame you. It¡¯s truly a beautiful kingdom." Hakan: "Some people even called it Paradise because of its breathtaking beauty." Kani looks up at the sky as a gentle breeze brushes against them. Kani: "Paradise? It¡¯s beautiful, but I don¡¯t think it deserves such a title." Hakan speaks with clear enthusiasm: "Decades ago, it was a paradise. What we see now is only about 1% of its original beauty." Kani: "Time ruins everything¡­" Beatrix: "I hate time." The Fourth Island: Tiran Mary: "Is it normal... for stones to talk?" Damian: "Are the differences between kingdoms really this vast...?" Tiran, the Island of Sorrows. Here, stones live like any other beings¡ªthey move and speak. At the edge of the island stands a mountain that never stops crying. Its tears fall into the ocean beneath the floating islands, creating breathtaking waterfalls. Itor: "I know my homeland is strange..." Mary: "Man... this is amazing! Who would have thought something like this existed?!" Damian: "It¡¯s like we¡¯re in another world." Itor: "I didn¡¯t expect this kind of reaction..." Mary: "Can we go to the Crying Mountain?" Itor: "Of course, we can. We¡¯re already close to it." The three of them start walking. The sky is clear, and the wind makes the grass sway as if dancing. After five minutes, they reach the mountain. Mary speaks up: "Hello." The mountain notices them and begins to speak as its tears continue to fall: "Hello, I am Nipon. Who are you, little ones?" Mary: "I¡¯m Mary." Damian: "And I¡¯m Damian." Itor: "You already know me." Nipon: "Oh, Itor. Are these your friends?" Itor: "Yes." Nipon: "Then where is Brika? It¡¯s not like you come without her." Itor''s expression shifts slightly, his face turning sad. He remains silent for a moment before speaking. Itor: "Brika... is in a psychiatric hospital." Nipon: "A hospital? What happened to her?" Itor: "She encountered someone with an illusion ability. She saw horrifying things..." Nipon: "Poor girl... She¡¯s always had terrible luck..." Itor: "Let¡¯s not dwell on this now... They came to talk to you." Nipon: "Of course, of course. Go ahead." Mary: "May I ask why you¡¯re crying?" Nipon: "Why do I cry? It¡¯s an old story, one about someone dear to my heart¡ªthough I don¡¯t have a heart. A woman named Skyram..." The Second Island: Ara The three enter the library and meet the librarian, Kirin, who greets them. Arian asks: "Why does the water here behave so strangely around the island?" Kirin: "It¡¯s a disturbance." Arian: "A disturbance?" Kirin: "Yes. The Sky Kingdom wasn¡¯t originally in the sky¡ªit was lifted into the air." Neron asks, his curiosity evident: Lifted? Who could have such an ability?: Kirin: "A woman who lived more than 300 years ago. The Earth Ruler, Skyram." Kyotai: "Earth Ruler?" Kirin: "A strange but unique title. It doesn¡¯t represent her ruling over a specific place, but rather her immense power. Her ability was earth manipulation." Arian: "Like Renma, the Supreme Warrior?" Kirin: "Exactly, but she was far stronger. I don¡¯t mean to belittle the warrior of the Anastasia Kingdom, but I don¡¯t think he could lift five islands into the sky." Kyotai: "You said she lived over 300 years ago. How have the five islands remained in the air all this time?" Kirin: "That¡¯s why I said she was stronger. The effects of Skyram¡¯s power are still holding even now." The three are shocked, especially Kyotai Neron: "How can that be real...?" Kirin: "But the effect has begun to weaken. In the worst-case scenario, the Sky Kingdom might fall into the ocean in 15 years." Kyotai: "Fifteen years is still a long time." Kirin: "Indeed." Arian: "But what will you do?" Kirin: "There¡¯s nothing we can do. The islands remain in the air only because Skyram¡¯s grave is in the capital. If it were elsewhere, the kingdom would have already fallen. We are truly grateful to her, and we accept whatever happens." Neron: "In the capital..." The Fifth Island: Haran Sai: "Whose grave is this?" Leo: "The inscription says, ¡°Here lies the Eternal Earth Ruler, Skyram.¡±" Kinto: "It¡¯s clear she was a great and exceptional person. Her grave stands alone in the capital." Skyram¡¯s grave is made of gemstones and gold, surrounded by plants unseen anywhere else. Haran is the most natural of the five islands, stable in every aspect, yet breathtakingly beautiful. The surrounding islands enhance its splendor. Large tree trunks connect the islands to Haran. Before the existence of the islands Rokin, everyone traveled using these trunks. At the center of Haran stands a natural tree. From it extend the giant trunks that connect to the other islands. In front of this tree lies Skyram¡¯s eternal grave. The Sky Kingdom is truly a magnificent place, one of the most visually stunning and unique kingdoms. It¡¯s no surprise that it is one of the world¡¯s top tourist destinations. The Fourth Island: Tiran Mary: Skyram? Who was she? Nipon: She was a woman who lived 300 years ago. Kind and gentle, she was the one who lifted the Sky Kingdom into the sky with her power. Damian: She lifted the Sky Kingdom by herself...? Nipon: Yes, it¡¯s truly astonishing. Even after her death, her grave keeps the kingdom afloat. She was incredibly beautiful, loved by all. She became the Eternal Hero. I loved her¡ªeven though I don¡¯t have a heart. She was the most wonderful part of my life. When she died, I broke down in tears. The sorrow still lingers within me... Mary: That¡¯s heartbreaking... Damian: She was truly a remarkable woman. Nipon: My way of expressing emotions may seem strange. Forgive me¡ªI am a mountain, after all. Malak After this day, the students gather in the capital. They are provided with a residence by the Sky kingdom. The residence has many rooms. Each of them takes a room and finds that they have a place to store their weapons, prepared clothes, and even ready-made food. Leo: "I wonder what will happen in the Sky kingdom. I hope nothing dangerous occurs." Hakan¡¯s Room Hakan, to himself: "It makes sense for us to be given a place in the Kingdom of Sky. After all, years ago, the Kingdom of Sky was attacked, and those who helped defeat the enemies were the second-stage students of Limitless Academy." Mary¡¯s Room Mary lies on her bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in memories of her past. She had always wanted to become a tailor since childhood. She wanted to sew clothes for her brother as a gift for his 18th birthday. She dreamed of opening a tailoring shop, but her parents forced her to take the academy exam. Mary, of course, never wanted to attend an academy or anything of the sort. She just wanted to live a normal life. She cried many nights because she was forced into the academy. Deep inside, she carried a sorrow no one else knew about. But as the days passed, Mary accepted her situation. She even started to enjoy being at the academy because she met people who made up for everything she lost¡ªpeople she considered her family. Mary secretly learned tailoring. Kyotai was the only one who knew, as he was her roommate, but he never revealed her secret. Eventually, Mary became skilled in tailoring. Now, she is completely satisfied with her life. Kingdom of Anastasia Daniel sits by his window, gazing at the lively city. But to him, it is just meaningless noise. He speaks to himself: "What is the point of emotions? Are they really important? Can''t I sell them for money? I don''t need emotions. What is the value of life without money anyway?" He starts preparing some coffee for himself and continues talking to himself: "The most important thing in life is money. Work is what brings money, so nothing in the world matters except money and work." Kingdom of Sky If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The next morning, everyone wakes up to loud knocking on the residence door. Mary goes to open it and finds a woman standing there. She has blonde hair that leans toward white, blue eyes, and medium-length hair. She has large wings. "You look cute. What¡¯s your name?" Mary answered, a bit annoyed: "Who are you?" The woman looks at her silently before saying, "Don''t be so rude. I am Malak." Mary: "Alright." She closes the door. Karez speaks to her: "Who was at the door?" Mary: "Some strange woman." Mary goes back to her room, but soon, there¡¯s another knock. This time, Karez opens the door and sees Malak. Malak: "Your friend was rude." Karez: "She doesn¡¯t like being woken up." Malak: "I see, I see." Karez: "Now, who are you?" Malak: "I am Malak, the Champion of Sky." Karez: "The Champion of Sky?..." Malak: "Yes, I came here to see you, students of Limitless Academy." Karez: "It is an honor to have you visit us." Malak: "That¡¯s not all. I want to challenge you." Karez: "Challenge us?" Malak: "Yes." Karez wakes everyone up. Kento prepares breakfast for them, and Malak joins them at the table. Malak: "Your cooking is delicious, noble one." Kento looks at her with an annoyed,angry expression. "Don¡¯t ever call me noble again." Malak: "Alright, alright, just don¡¯t get mad." Kani: "How do you know us?" Malak: "I feel like I¡¯m being interrogated in a police station¡­ Of course, I know you. You are the ones who saved the Elf City." Kani: "Oh, right..." After breakfast, Malak takes them to an open green field. The wind gently blows against their faces, making Kani¡¯s untied hair sway. Malak speaks confidently: "I will challenge you in physical strength." Leo: "Why?" Malak: "To prove that I am the best." Leo: "That¡¯s a childish reason¡­" Kaiser: "She¡¯s very straightforward¡­" Malak: "First, destructive power. See that mountain over there? Each person will hit it once to see who has the most impact." The students start hitting the mountain one by one. The weakest impact was from Kani, but even then, it was not insignificant. As for Malak, her strike left a massive impact on the mountain¡ªif she had hit it again, the spot she struck might have collapsed entirely. However, unexpectedly, Kyotai and Niron¡¯s strikes were even stronger than Malak¡¯s. With a single hit, they inflicted twice the damage she did. Leo and Sai followed, causing the same amount of damage as Malak. Even Kento matched her in some challenges. After the challenges ended, Malak stood before the students, catching her breath. Malak, to herself: "Most of them are close to my level. Four of them are almost equal to me, and one is even stronger than me. The students of Limitless Academy are truly impressive this year!" She straightens up and speaks with obvious enthusiasm: "You are truly amazing, everyone. You are the strongest students I have seen in years!" Beatrix: "Do you do this every year?" Malak: "Yes!" Sai: "That¡¯s strange." Garin: "But this means we have improved a lot. We are the strongest students in years, as Malak says. We are already close to her level, and some of us are even stronger." Leo: "We¡¯ve really improved¡­ insanely, to be honest." Hakan: "This would be perfect if there was a casino in this kingdom." Malak: "Casinos are banned here." Sai: "That¡¯s reassuring. Reaching this level is truly impressive." Kano sighs, then smiles quietly, simply observing the moment. Kani: "We¡¯ve really come a long way." Mary says sarcastically: "I feel like I¡¯m going to cry." Niron turns away from Malak and speaks quietly enough for only the students to hear: "Does this mean Rivan was telling the truth?" Damian: "We never even noticed our growth." Itor: "When you think about it, the methods didn¡¯t just improve one skill, but rather, it was comprehensive training." Kento: "Fighting in the Elf City developed us a lot. Even those who didn¡¯t fight learned new things. And even those for whom the battle was easy physically had to expand their way of thinking." Arian: "Exactly, exactly." Kaiser: "I¡¯m overwhelmed with joy." Kyotai, to himself: "You¡¯ve truly impressed me, Yaraso and Rivan." Karez: "Even so, we are not done yet. We might still learn something new or undergo more training in the Kingdom of Sky. And if we are attacked again, we must make sure we don¡¯t lose so that we don¡¯t repeat past mistakes¡­ so that the lives of those who are gone have meaning." Beatrix: "You¡¯re right. The road ahead is still long." Itor: "I feel like I¡¯ve regained my excitement." Malak bows to them. Malak: "Congratulations on reaching this level. I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish in the future, heroes of the Kingdom of Anastasia. But for now, farewell¡ªuntil we meet again!" She flies away with her wings, leaving the students with the happiness of such indescribable growth. Damian Malak bows to them. Malak: "Congratulations on reaching this level. I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish in the future, heroes of the Kingdom of Anastasia. But for now, farewell¡ªuntil we meet again!" She flies away with her wings, leaving the students with the happiness of such indescribable growth. The next day, an intensive training session is presented to the students by the Queen of the Sky kingdom, and Malak will train with them. A month later, they have been training, developing their physical strength. The training was intense and harsh, and they also explored a large part of the Kingdom of Sky while they were there. After training, Damian walks around the city. He sees a sweets shop, goes in to buy some, and then sits on a chair near the store. While eating the sweets, his mind drifts to old memories from the past. When Damian was five years old, he was an ordinary child who loved to play and have fun. His parents were kind, and they made sure he lived the best life possible, even though they were of average means. because, simply, he was their only child. Damian loved to help people. He would help his parents, friends, and anyone who needed assistance. He never turned down a request for help. On his sixth birthday, joy filled the house. Balloons were on the floor, and the cake was in front of him with candles on it. He was wearing a birthday hat. Damian made a wish for the well-being of everyone he loved, then raised the knife with his mother to cut the cake. He was about to cut it when there was a knock on the door. His mother stands to open the door, but is suddenly pushed backward. His father quickly rushes to help his wife, but he sees the people who came to them. Damian''s father gambled a lot at a certain casino, and he had debts from gambling. This casino was owned by a gang. Damian''s father had been given two months to pay off his debt, but not even a month had passed, and here was the gang leader with his assistants. The father speaks, shocked and terrified: "W-What does this mean? Not even a month has passed!" The gang leader responds: "I have money from you, so I can demand it whenever I want." Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Damian doesn''t understand what''s happening, but he is worried. His mother speaks in a voice filled with horror: "W-w-why didn''t you say anything? I could have helped you¡­" Her husband doesn''t answer her. He stands up to speak with the last bit of courage he has. "I don''t have your money, but don''t do anything to my family. They have nothing to do with this." The leader glares at him before turning his gaze to his family. "You speak so bravely, asking as if you have the right. They have nothing to do with this? Fine." Damian''s father feels a little relieved. He was about to speak when the gang''s assistants grabbed Damian and his mother, and the third holds his father and ties him to a chair. The gang leader speaks with mild annoyance. "I expected you didn''t have any money, but you''ve given me a better way to repay your debt." Damian''s father begins begging the leader, asking him not to do something horrific in front of his wife and son, while his wife begins to tremble in fear. Her wide eyes show the horror inside her. Damian is shocked by the scene. His mind cannot understand why this is happening. The gang leader takes out a cutter and begins cutting Damien''s father''s nails, cutting a little of the flesh beneath them. What''s left of the nails is ripped out with no mercy at all. The father tries not to scream so Damian won''t be terrified even more, but it is very difficult, and eventually, he starts screaming in pain. Damian shakes unnervingly from the sight before him. His mother begins crying and screaming at the leader, but his assistant silences her forcibly. Then the leader begins to do the same with the father''s teeth. He slowly pulls them out to make the father feel every possible ounce of pain. The house fills with the sounds of screaming and crying. After the leader has pulled out seven teeth, he stops. Damian''s father is in a terrible state. His mother can no longer scream. Damian feels nauseous, like he is about to throw up. Tears fall from his eyes silently. The leader places his hand on the father''s skin and uses his ability to separate the skin from his body. The father begins screaming hysterically as though his body is burning. The air alone makes his exposed flesh hurt intensely, and the clothes that touch his flesh make the pain worse. He shakes terribly from the pain. Damian''s mother loses consciousness, and Damian starts screaming strangely as though he is seeing demons in front of his eyes. In fact, he is seeing them. The leader speaks in a completely cold tone. "You''ve paid off your debt, even though I know you can''t hear me. But you should be grateful I didn''t do anything to your wife and son. Alright, men, let''s go." The leader and his assistants leave as Damian sits in front of his father, who has stopped moving. Damian''s father is dead. A few minutes later, Damian''s mother wakes up and starts crying again, while Damian looks at her with dry eyes. Damian''s father is buried, and then Damian''s mother goes to live with her parents to stay there with her son. There, Damian meets Siron and becomes his best friend. At least after all this, Damian found someone who could help him forget that day, even if for just a few brief moments. As Damien remembers these dark days, Leo approaches him and says: "Where have you been? You missed one of the training sessions." Damien: "W-What?... I lost track of time." Leo: "This must be one really tasty treat then." Damian smiles as he starts to feel at ease and answers Leo calmly: "Yes, it is indeed." Leo: "You seemed lost in thought. Is everything alright? You know you can always talk to us." Damien: "Yes, thank you. I was just remembering some old memories." Leo tries to comfort Damien. "Memories are there to remind us why we''re here and what we want to do, but don''t let it''s despair swallow you." Damian answers calmly with a slight smile: "What is your dream?" Leo: "My dream? What a sudden question... I want to bring peace to the world." Damian''s smile grows clearer. Damian: "That''s a great dream. I''m sure you can do it." Leo becomes joyful at Damian''s words and responds. Leo: "What about you? What''s your dream?" Damien: "My dream is to protect those I love... No, to protect everyone." Leo: "Our dreams are almost the same. Let''s achieve them together." Damien: "Together." Demons are everywhere. We smile at their faces, and they smile at ours. We greet them, and they greet us. We love them, and they love us. They are just like me and you. Back from the dead Limitless Academy Korner: "How are the students of Class B?" Elizabeth, visibly exhausted, replies, "They''re doing well. Their progress is remarkable." Korner: "Do you think they''re on the level of second-year students?" Elizabeth: "I don''t know. The last time I saw them was during the mission to rescue the Lavalik clan. They were still in the first stage. You only saw them that time as well." Korner leans back against the wall. Korner: "True, but Director Euron told me that, according to records, they are the strongest students the academy has recruited in years¡ªaside from Yaraso, Langst, Aelius, and Rivan, of course." Elizabeth: "That''s impressive." Korner: "Indeed, but not all of them. Director Euron singled out a few." Elizabeth: "Which ones?" Korner: "Kyotai Winn, Neron Ryum, Leo Vitalite, Sai Vitalite, and the fifth is likely Kinto Shinga." Elizabeth: "Shinga? I didn''t know any of them aspired to be warriors." Korner: "It''s clear he broke his family''s rules. But I didn''t expect you to know about such things." Elizabeth: "I''ve started reading more lately." Korner: "That''s good." Unknown Location Five people are sitting together, talking. Their voices are familiar. A girl speaks in a trembling voice, "But Grace, Sky Kingdom is in the sky, and I''m afraid of heights!" Grace: "Don''t be so scared, Lily. Have a little courage. Besides, we want revenge, don''t we, Alex?" Alex: "Exactly. Our goal is to kill every one of them. As for you, Alvis, Leader Isaac has given you the choice to go or stay. What will you choose?" Alvis, filled with hatred but trying to control his emotions, says, "Of course, I''m going. I''ll kill Karez and Garin. Don''t you dare get in my way, Karoi, or I''ll cut you down with them." Karoi: "You speak with a lot of confidence for a third-level servant. Show some respect to those ranked above you, ''returned from the dead''." Grace: "Let me correct you¡ª''returned from the dead''¡­ all of us." Alex: "We just have to wait a little longer. " Sky Kingdom The day passes, and the students finish their training. They return to their quarters, having already decided to stay for another week before heading to the Kingdom of Ogrulia. Everyone is asleep. 4:23 AM Beatrix wakes up to get some water. The place is eerily quiet, with only the creaking of wooden floors beneath her feet. As she turns to go back to her room, the wall in front of her suddenly shatters. Someone lunges at her, but she barely manages to block the attack. The sound of the wall breaking wakes everyone up. They grab their weapons quickly. It becomes clear that the attacker is not alone¡ªthere are others with him. Leo: "I knew this was going to happen. Damn it!" Kani: "What should we do?!" Neron: "Our priority is protecting the civilians. Move quickly!" Karoi: "No need. You''re not in reality. This is another dimension we created and pulled you into while you were sleeping. We didn''t want you getting outside help." Hakan: "This was a premeditated attack." Kyotai: "Let''s end this quickly." Beatrix: "I hate surprise attacks." Karez: "Wait¡­ that guy!" Alvis: "It''s been a long time, Karez." The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Karez envelope his feet in Shinta to boost his speed and dashes toward Alvis, pushing him far away. Garin, Kaiser, and Kano follow. Alex speaks with a wide grin, "It would be rude not to introduce myself. I''m Alex." Leo: "Huh?¡­ Alex?!" Kinto: "That shouldn''t be possible." Grace: "I wanted to fight that ninja man, but at least I can kill his students." Kyotai: "Seriously? They came back from the dead?" Grace: "Karoi, who''s your prey?" Karoi: "I think I''ll choose¡­ that red-haired girl." Beatrix: "You''re quite confident in yourself." Karoi: "And that one with the long hair." Kani: "Guess I won''t be tying my hair up then." Karoi: "Also¡­ that boy with the frozen expression." Arian: "Me?" Hakan: "You idiot. Picking them specifically proves how much of a coward you are. I''m fighting alongside them." Karoi: "You''re annoying me." Itor: "That girl looks scared." Alex: "Stop trembling, Lily!" Lily: "I-I''m sorry! Really sorry¡­" Neron: "Itor." Itor uses his ability to grab Lily, taking her away from the rest. He also takes Mary, Neron, and Damian. Grace follows them Kyotai: "That leaves us, monster of the organs." Alex: "Exactly what I wanted." Alex suddenly sprouts wings and flies into the air. Leo summons Betelus and takes flight as well, grabbing Kyotai and Kinto with a rope of darkness and pulling them up. Sai enhances his body with his ability and leaps high to grab onto Betelus. Leo: "Flying up won''t help you much." Alex: "You sound confident, Leo." Leo: "My confidence is at its peak right now. Until the sun rises, I have the advantage." Meanwhile, Karez has taken Alvis to Era Island in record time by using his ability to propel himself toward metal on the island. Upon arrival, Karez gathers metal to create a platform beneath him. He then strikes Alvis in the chest without giving him time to react, sending him flying back. But Alvis stops midair. Alvis: "Stability Shingen" Karez: "Shingen Stability?¡­" Alvis: "It''s a Shingen technique I invented myself. As you can see, I can stand on air thanks to it. You''re not the only one who''s improved, Karez. And now¡­ no, we¡­ are Dreamers." Karez freezes in shock. His mind races, recalling the village mayor words about the next level of power. Garin arrives at the place while standing on the mist he created. Garin: "Excuse me, Alvis, but being a dreamer won''t help you in any way." Alvis: "You don''t understand, Garin Lavalik. When someone returns to life as a dreamer, they become stronger than before¡ªof course, if they choose to. I am stronger than the Alvis you saw that day. Here and now, you will die, and after that, I will wipe out the Lavalik family completely." Kaiser rises into the air with them, thanks to Garin''s ability. Kaiser: "Even though I don''t know you, and even though the Lavalik family is difficult to change, we won''t let you do this easily. You plan to wipe out the Lavalik family after killing us, right? You should know that this, in itself, is a dream." Alvis: "You, in particular, I despise, Kaiser." Kaiser replies mockingly: "It pleases me to hear that." At Neron''s location, they arrive at the training site. Lily uses her ability, making a large leaf appear in her hand. Lily: "Stay away from me!" She swings the leaf, sending Itor flying, but he grabs onto a tree using mercury and uses his ability to restrain Lily. Itor: "What exactly is your ability?" Damian: "I don''t think it''s just that leaf." Neron: "No, it''s impossible. If fighting her was that easy, they wouldn''t have brought her along." Mary: "Unless she''s a support-type." Neron: "They wouldn''t let her go so easily." Mary: "You''re right." At that moment, Grace attacks them with a gust of wind. They dodge, allowing Lily to break free. Grace: "It''s not very nice to attack a frightened person." Mary: "Good thing we know her ability." Itor: "Absorption is going to be a problem for us." Damian: "If we keep her in the air, she''ll be forced to use only wind, which means I''ll have to defeat her." Itor: "That also means I shouldn''t use my ability on her, since she''ll absorb the mercury and use it against us." Neron: "Was anything else mentioned about her ability?" Mary: "It was said that she can use whatever she absorbs for five minutes." Damian: "That''s a lot." Grace: "All this planning, and the best you could come up with is a cheap trick to keep me in the air? Are you weak, or am I just that strong?" Itor: "This girl is annoying." Mary, annoyed: "I''m going to put an arrow in her mouth." Damian, grinning: "What are your orders, Captain?" Neron: "Defeat her with minimal... no, with zero casualties!" Itor, Mary, and Damian: "Yes, sir!" While Kyotai''s team is in the air, Hakan''s team is on the ground. Kani: "Did you mean to call us weak??!" Hakan: "I just wanted to make a dramatic entrance, that''s all." Arian: "Explosions." Beatrix: "You mean his entrance was dramatic?" Arian: "Yes." Hakan: "Alright, guys, let''s take down this girly-looking guy." Karoi, annoyed: "Girly-looking? I''m going to rip your head off..." Hakan, thinking: "It''s clear this fight won''t be easy. I mustn''t underestimate him at all." Hakan: "Merging hand-to-hand and foot fighting styles!" Arian activates his ability, and Kani prepares her body to produce glass. Beatrix: "Man, fighting without weapons is so comfortable. I wonder how this will go." Hakan Wraps his legs with Shinta and launches himself at Karoi at high speed, but Karoi prepares to defend. Beatrix enhances Hakan''s speed with wind, making him reach Karoi faster than expected. Hakan uses his ability to reduce his damage by 4%, but the hit is still significant due to his speed. Hakan: "This is a bad start. My luck is definitely getting worse." Karoi: "Your ability isn''t easy to understand." Arian doesn''t wait and attacks Karoi, but Karoi blocks effortlessly. Arian: "Hand-to-hand fighting style technique: Lion''s Hand!" With his ability and combat technique, Arian lunges at Karoi again, but his hand slows down and stops just before reaching him, giving Karoi the chance to kick Arian away. Then, Karoi notices several shards of glass around him. They shoot toward him, but some slow down and stop, while others miss him entirely. Hakan engages in direct combat with him, and Beatrix joins in with her ability and exceptional physical strength. Hakan: "I didn''t know you were this strong in direct combat." Beatrix: "I owe it to Revan." Arian, thinking:''My hardening couldn''t withstand that attack... I''ve never felt pain like this before.'' The fight continues, and it''s clear that Karoi has no trouble, while Hakan refrains from using his ability, wanting to first understand Karoi''s power. Beatrix uses her ability to disrupt Karoi''s movements and enhance herself. Kani keeps trying to hit Karoi with glass, but all the shards stop before reaching him. Hakan, thinking: "His ability likely creates an invisible barrier around him that stops everything¡­ but some attacks do get through. What kind of ability is this¡­?" Karoi uses a Shinton blast to push Beatrix back, then drops low and kicks Hakan in the chin before landing another kick to his chest. ''What should I do? I can''t intervene in this fight no matter how much I think about it...'' Arian was lost in his thoughts At that moment, a familiar voice calls out to Arian¡ªit''s Kano. Kano: "Arian!" Arian, thinking:''Kano?... What is he doing here?'' Kani,surprised: "brother??" A few minutes earlier¡­ Karez: "Let''s go." Thanks to a nearby junkyard, Karez uses his ability to pull metals from there. Garin creates floating platforms for them, which follow them wherever they go. Kaiser attacks Alvis with his ability, but lava begins to fall toward the city below. Kano uses his ability to create a layer of sand covering the area, preventing the lava from reaching the city. Karez raises his hand toward Alvis, and suddenly, he is pulled toward him at high speed. During his training with Rivan, Karez realized his power wasn''t magnetism but magnetic waves. Using this, he attached a wave to a piece of metal on Alvis'' clothes, pulling himself toward him. Garin joins them, making it three versus one. Karez wraps his fists with Shinta and engages Alvis in close combat alongside Kaiser. Alvis tries to cut them with his ability, but all his attacks are shallow, as they dodge at the last moment. Fighting Alvis up close is difficult since it makes his attacks more precise. Karez uses his ability to block Alvis'' attacks, then applies it to Garin''s sword¡ªsince Garin is gripping it tightly¡ªto fling it behind Alvis, allowing him to land a powerful blow on his back. Even so, they are still far from victory, as something like this won''t happen easily again. Kano gets an idea and shouts to Kaiser: "Kaiser! Don''t use your ability at all!" Kaiser, thinking:''he''s obviously going to stop using his ability" Kano manipulates the sand to carry the lava out of the city and into the sea below. Then, he wraps his feet with Shinta and dashes at full speed toward Karoi''s battle. Present moment Kano: "Arian! Let''s switch places!" Arian: "What?... " Kano: "Trust me!" Arian: "As you say." Kano reaches Arian, grabs him, and spins quickly, using his momentum to hurl Arian into the air. Arian covers half the distance thanks to the move, then wraps his feet to continue toward Alvis'' battle. Kano joins the fight against Karoi. Kano: "Let me shine a little." Karoi: "You talk nicely. I''ll decorate your corpse with pure gold." Kano: "I''d prefer ruby." Karoi: "If that''s your final wish." Mercury warrior Kano: "I prefer the ruby." Karoi: "If that''s your last wish." Hakan, to himself: "Kano''s physical abilities have increased significantly lately. He is already stronger than me in direct combat without abilities. This is exactly what we needed. But Karoi''s ability... Wait... Kani''s glass slowed down before stopping, and so did my hand at the start of the fight, among other things. Could it be that his ability is to slow things down? He can activate it from anywhere around him, but even so, he can''t slow everything down since he''s also busy fighting." Hakan quickly explains Karoi''s ability to the three while Kano and Beatrix restrain karoi''s movements. After finishing, Hakan activates his ability to gain a slight speed boost, then charges at Karoi alongside Beatrix and Kano. Kano sends out numerous sand spikes directly at Karoi, forcing him to activate his ability to slow down the movementof the spikes. This gives Hakan the opportunity to use his combined technique. Hakan: "Combined Style: Shattering!" With a 10% strength boost from his ability and his hands and feet covered in shinta, Hakan charges forward without hesitation. He places both fists on Karoi''s chest, releasing a burst of Shinta into his body. Then, grabbing Karoi''s clothes, he channels Shinta through his legs and releases it on karoi''s chest. Karoi coughs up blood from the immense force that hit his body. Beatrix: "Now''s my chance." She retrieves her new weapon from her destroyed room¡ª a dual-headed sword, the same type Garin wields. Kani: "Did Garin inspire you or what?" Beatrix: "I think so." After training with Rivan and Fyorai, Beatrix chose to adopt the Bicephar combat style. She had the weapon crafted by Kara during their training with Myuso. Though she hasn''t fully mastered it yet, it has become her primary weapon. Beatrix takes advantage of Karoi''s delayed reaction from Hakan''s attack and lands a deep slash across his abdomen. Kano then follows up with a punch to Karoi''s face, causing a brain shock that knocks him unconscious. Karoi has been defeated. Kano restrains him with sand. Kani: "Should we help the others?" Beatrix: "No, they''ll definitely win. First, we need to find a way out of this strange dimension." Hakan: "It''s impressive that they managed to create a dimension that mirrors the kingdom." Kano: "No, when I first arrived, the place wasn''t identical. There were many empty spaces. That''s when I realized that my attempt to stop Kaiser''s lava from falling on the city was in vain. I thought it might affect reality." This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Hakan: "At least no one needs to hold back their power. This is a battle where we need to unleash everything we''ve got. Now, let''s find a way out." A Few Minutes Earlier Lily''s behavior changes, becoming braver. Along with it, her weapon shifts into a long, swift whip. Lily: "If you''re wondering about my ability, it''s quite simple¡ªit depends on my emotions. Depending on my current feelings, I get a specific weapon." Damian: "It''s foolish to reveal your ability." Lily: "Not like you''re going to win anyway." Neron: "Mary." Neron signals toward Grace. Mary: "A logical choice." Damian: "Itor." Itor, smiling: "I know, I know." Itor and Damian slap their palms together, then begin their fight against Lily, while Neron and Mary engage Grace. Neron, to himself: "I don''t use my ability, and Mary''s ability is healing, so Grace won''t be able to benefit from us in any way. We''re probably the best duo to fight someone like Grace." Neron draws his two swords but throws one aside. Neron: "I changed my training style from dual-wielding to single-sword fighting style. I wanted to deceive opponents by starting with two swords and switching to one, but our enemies aren''t the type I can use that trick against." He charges forward at high speed, swinging his sword, but Grace retreats and counterattacks by compressing and releasing air at him. Neron blocks the attack with his sword, but Grace follows up by launching a massive chunk of stone at him. He is forced to retreat, but Mary shoots a healing arrow, restoring his energy. Mary: "Captain, allow me." Instead of drawing an arrow, Mary pulls back her bowstring, forming a flaming arrow. She fires it at the ground near Grace, filling the area with burning arrows. Mary''s archery instructor modified her bow, allowing it to transform into a staff and function as a magical bow without requiring external arrows. While she can shoot regular arrows, her fire arrows are limited. Mary: "These arrows and flames won''t affect us¡ªonly Grace. And she won''t be able to absorb them because they carry a strong magical will." Neron: "That''s good." Neron engages Grace in close combat while Mary supports from behind. But suddenly, a spider web appears in front of Neron, sticking to his hand. He quickly cuts through it and retreats before Grace can attack. A new figure enters the battle. Grace: "That was a terrible entrance, Spird." Spird: "You should be grateful I intervened at all." Mary fires a flaming arrow at Spird''s webs, but they don''t burn. Mary, to herself: "What is this...?" Spird: "Fire won''t work on them." Neron: "This just got a lot harder." Mary sighs before speaking. Mary: "Neron, I think I know who we need here. But if I leave, can you handle Grace on your own?" Neron: "Do you think I''ll lose?" Mary, smiling: "Of course not." She presses a button on her back, activating mechanical wings. Mary: "Thank you, Malak." Neron: "I didn''t know those were available in Sky Kingdom." Mary: "Hold on for a bit." She speeds into the air toward Karez''s group while Neron struggles to fight Spird and Grace alone. The wings are extremely fast, making them difficult for Mary to control. A few minutes later, she reaches Karez''s group. She fires an arrow near Kaiser to grab his attention, then shouts loudly: "Let''s switch!" Kaiser: "Since you''re somewhat smart, I''ll trust you now." They slap hands, and Kaiser jumps off Garin''s mist. Gathering lava in his hands, he releases it in a burst, generating an explosive force that propels him forward. Back at Neron''s Group Neron struggles due to Spird''s webs, which severely restrict his movement. Meanwhile, Damian and Itor continue fighting Lily, who remains overly bold. Her current weapon is a whip. Damian, to himself: "I wish I could help Neron, but none of us can handle Lily alone." He gathers and compresses air, launching it as bullets before coating his hands with air to form claws. Lily pulls Itor toward her with the whip, but he counters by grabbing her with his mercury whip, dragging her closer as well. He then headbutts her, forcing her to stumble back¡ªright into Damian, who slashes her arm with his claws, causing her to drop the whip. Lily: "This is extremely annoying." Her whip transforms into constantly moving blades across the ground, restricting movement for itor, though Damian, being airborne, remains unaffected. Itor decides to use his trump card. Itor: "Mercury Warrior." His entire body becomes coated in mercury, granting partial resistance to Lily''s blades and enhancing his attacks. Itor, to himself: "I can''t maintain this form for long. If I expose my body to too much mercury, it''ll be inflamed badly. I need to finish this quickly." Itor advances with Damian, engaging Lily in close combat. She directs her blades at them, but Itor temporarily halts them with a mercury barrier. Lily is in a dire situation. Lily, to herself: "Having them gang up on me like this is terrifying." Damian lands two strikes, followed by a powerful blow from Itor. At that moment, Lily''s weapon reverts to a leaf. She leaps into the air and slashes at Damian and Itor with the leaf. However, Damian extends his claws, piercing Lily''s body. Due to Lily''s weapon effect, both Damian and Itor are crushed into the ground and lose consciousness from the pressure. Lily collapses, motionless, as her blood begins pooling around her. indescribable emptiness Kaiser arrives at Neron''s fight Kaiser: "Spider web? Doesn''t Mary have fire arrows?" Neron breathes heavily. Neron: "It doesn''t affect the webs." Kaiser: "Clearly, the fight was tough. Mary''s exchange with me shows that she trusts my abilities, how wonderful." Neron fights Grace, and Kaiser fights Spird. Kaiser: "How are you, boy? Do you like volcanic lava?" Spird: "Definitely not." Kaiser: "That proves it''s your weakness." Kaiser is surrounded by spider webs from all sides, but he burns them all with lava without even moving. Kaiser: "I am your natural enemy." Kaiser suddenly uses his offensive Shingen to get closer to Spird, but Spird senses his coming attack and retreats quickly. Spird, thinking: "Without the sixth sense that my ability gave me, I would have been severely injured." Kaiser attacks, and Spird defends; Spird is unable to attack. The fight is one-sided. Spird is afraid ''What''s wrong with this person? Is he crazy?? Doesn''t he understand that I have His Majesty''s gift! Doesn''t he understand that I am supposed to be the demon here?! Why does he make me feel like a bug about to be crushed under his fiery feet?! Who''s the villain here, for heaven''s sake??!!'' Kaiser pierces Spird''s body with numerous holes using his lava finger. Kaiser is the victor. On the other side, Neron also defeats Grace. Kaiser: "You should get some rest, Neron." Neron speaks in a faint voice. "No, the others still need help." Kaiser places his hand on Neron''s shoulder. "Don''t worry about them, they won''t lose." Neron smiles. "You''re right." Kaiser, thinking: ''Fighting two people at the same time has worn him out. Neron... How long will you keep fighting without using your ability... Although I don''t know it... It might help you...'' At Karez''s group fight Arian arrives. Garin prepares some mist for him to climb, and when he reaches them above, he finds Mary, Karez, and Garin engaged in a fight with Alvis. Arian knows Alvis'' ability from the academy records, and now he understands that Kano exchanged with him to counter Alvis'' cuts with his hardening. Arian, thinking: "Will I be able to counter him?... No... I must counter him!" Arian''s body hardens completely, he uses the offensive Shingen, which allows him to get close to Alvis and land a critical blow. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. After the strike, Alvis retreats, and suddenly, someone appears and grabs Garin, pulling him into a triangle. Garin: "Who are you now?" The person speaks in a calm voice: "I am Shirn, I challenge you to a game of chess." A table and two chairs appear in front of them, and on the table is a chessboard. Shirn: "The loser of this game will die." Garin: "You''re very confident in your chess skills, but I''ve been playing since I was a child, so don''t underestimate me." Outside Mary is distracted by what happened with Garin, and because of that, Alvis seizes the opportunity and uses his ability to inflict a critical injury on her, sending her to the ground. But Garin''s mist follows her and ensures her descent is safe. Karez: "Now it''s two against one." Arian: "It''s fine." Karez and Arian attack together. Thanks to Karez now having a clearer understanding of his ability, attracting and throwing metals has become easier and more accurate, causing Alvis to struggle a little. Arian pressures him from a close range, but still, Alvis can somewhat keep up with them. Suddenly, Karez reaches Alvis and wraps around him to pin his hands, then Arian strikes him three times on his abdomen, chest, and face. Afterward, Karez releases Alvis'' hands and starts attacking him from the back as well. Arian from the front and Karez from the back. Alvis can''t retaliate. Karez strikes him on the back of the head, then grabs a metal tube to strike Alvis'' head again. Afterward, Arian wraps his hand with Shinta over his hardening to strike Alvis in the face one last time. Karez and Arian believe they have won, but Alvis looks at them and suddenly uses his ability. Arian barely dodges it, and Karez gets injured on his face. Alvis: "This will leave a scar on your cheek for the rest of your life." Karez doesn''t care about Alvis'' words; instead, he looks at Arian in surprise. Arian is standing on the air, just like Alvis! Karez: "A-Arian?" Arian: "So my guess was right, I can create Shingen that allows me to stand in the air like you, you butcher." Alvis: "Who are you calling a butcher, you clown!!" The battle continues, with the advantage going to Karez and Arian. Alvis has only one option left. In just two seconds, Karez and Arian pull back from Alvis. When they attempt to attack again, Alvis releases a series of consecutive slicing attacks at incredible speed. Arian can block them due to his hardening, but Karez takes nearly all of them into his body. Karez falls on Garin''s mist. Alvis is about to activate a certain technique on Karez, but Arian jumps to counter it and succeeds, although it leaves him with a serious wound. Arian falls to the ground, and Garin''s mist catches him. Alvis: "I can''t believe that boy was able to block that technique. It''s supposed to slice everything in half." As Alvis is about to go help Alex, his body stops moving. Karez wakes up and pulls Alvis toward him with his right hand, then uses his left hand to forcefully slam into the ground. Karez lands on the ground and uses his left hand to create an extremely high-pressure force. The pressure would have killed Alvis, but at the last moment, Alvis activates his technique: "World Cutter!" Alvis'' body explodes due to the pressure Karez is exerting, but Alvis'' technique cuts off Karez''s left arm. Karez falls to the ground. Garin won the chess game. He exits the triangle and sees Karez on the ground. He carries him in silence, but his eyes say everything. The Kyotai group defeated Alex, and everyone is severely injured, especially Kinto. The fake dimension collapses, and they are sent back to the real world. Malak arrives to check on the situation. Karez and Arian are transferred to the emergency department in the hospital, while Damian, Itor, and Neron receive care. Leo: "it''s finally over." Malak: "I couldn''t break through the dimension, no matter how hard I tried." Leo: "It''s okay, it''s-" Karoi suddenly appears, trying to attack Malak, but Sai quickly moves to grab Karoi. Sai: "Cube Dimension!" Karoi and Sai are sent into the Cube Dimension. Leo: "Where did this guy come from?" Kinto, hardly: "Just kill him, Sai." Kyotai: "Damn this." Inside the Cube Dimension, Karoi sits on the ground in front of Sai, looking at him with a faint smile. Karoi, in a soft voice: "I can''t fight anymore, so why don''t we talk a little?" Sai sighs and says: "Did they leave you unchained?" Karoi: "They did chain me, but I managed to break free. I wanted to kill at least one person, but all I did was knock out a few." Sai looks at him with a sharp gaze. "Who are they?" Karoi: "The Glass Girl, the Wind Girl, and that Sand Boy. I wanted to take out the fourth, but I couldn''t do it." Sai: "You''re so low." Karoi: "There''s no honor in battle. Maybe the Glass Girl will be out for a long time; I hit her pretty hard." Sai''s expression completely changes, a look no one has ever seen before. Karoi feels fear he''snever thoughthe would before. Karoi: "W-What''s wrong with you, you r-" Sai speaks quietly, but there''s clear anger behind it: "Shut up, someone like you has no right to speak anymore." Karoi: "You''re joking-" Sai: "I haven''t finished speaking. How do you feel now that you''ve lost? How does it feel, being on the verge of death? Are you at peace now? Even though I never fought you, I despise you deeply, Karoi. You and everyone with you. You don''t know anything about Karez''s feelings when his mother was kidnapped. You don''t know how Brika suffered because of the illusion of that bastard Ilo, or how Itor felt when Brika went to the psychiatric hospital. You don''t know how Damian felt when he lost his childhood friend, Siron. You don''t know Arkan''s family feelings. You don''t know how Kaiser felt when Zalen died. And you don''t what we will feel after this battle is over. What''s the point of all this? Answer me, what''s your motive for all of this?" Karoi: "We want to create a new world, a living world-" Sai: "What a bunch of nonsense every filthy criminal says. A new world? You mean a new hell for the world. But you know something, Karoi? It doesn''t matter anymore. Nothing matters anymore, because I will kill you. Return as a dreamer or whatever else you want and I will kill you. If you get stronger, I will kill you. If you somehow survive now, I will find you and kill you. You and everyone with you, I will kill you all, even if it costs me my life." After five minutes, Sai exits the Cube Dimension. Karoi''s body is lifeless, covered in blood, his form completely disfigured. Sai doesn''t take his eyes off Karoi''s corpse, his gaze silent and grim. Kyotai tries to stand and speak with Sai, but Leo holds his shoulder. Kyotai stays in place. Sai Vitalite is in an indescribable emptiness. A month passes. This month is incredibly depressing. No one has been training. The residence is quiet most of the time. Kani has been asleep for a month, Kano for a week, and Beatrix for three days. Karez''s condition has stabilized. Arian has a large scar on his body. Neron needed a long rest for three weeks; he was unlike his usual self, as if he was deep in thought. Karez, to himself: "At that moment, I understood the true nature of my ability. It''s not attraction or magnetic waves; it''s almost like that. My right hand controls attraction, and my left hand controls repulsion. I can interact with all magnetic fields, but since my left hand was cut off, my ability has been halved. Now I can only attract, but now I know I can attract almost everything, not just metals." After a month, the students have completed two months in the Sky Kingdom. They have two months left until the end of the second stage. The students gather their belongings, bid farewell to Malak, and head to Lunan to use the Rokin. They return to Anastasia Kingdom to continue their journey to the final station, one of the five great kingdoms, the Kingdom of Ogrulia. Come, darkness boy two homeless brothers were sitting in one of the alleys, eating some bread. As Daniel was passing through the alley on his way back from the store, he looked at them silently. He knelt down and handed them two egg sandwiches he had bought from the stall next to the store. He also gave them two orange juices before walking away. The younger brother thanked him as he left. Daniel, to himself: "Why did I do that? Did I pity them? Or did I see my old self in them? I should be grateful that I''m not homeless anymore¡­ so I should help the homeless, right?" "karoi" issac said. Karoi looked at the ground without responding. "It''s okay, you did your best." "But I lost in the end" Karoi replied. "It''s okay. Now that you''ve become a Dreamer, you''re at level 1." "Aren''t you going to bring back Spird and Shiren? What about Lily?" "We won''t bring them back yet," "So my return means my next mission is not so far" "Exactly." Karoi left the room, leaving Issac alone. He looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought. Issac, to himself: "The goal isn''t to kill the students." Memories of his past started flooding his mind. Issac was born in the Kingdom of Anastasia to a moderately wealthy family. On the outside, everything seemed perfect, but inside, his heart was filled with only one thing: playing the violin. The violin was his refuge, his favorite sound, the only thing through which he could truly express himself. He had always dreamed of becoming the greatest violinist in the kingdom. "The violin is like a true friend¡ªI can tell it everything," he would say to Han Shinga, his only friend, who was different from the others. While the rest mocked him, Han was the only light that encouraged him. One sunny day, they were sitting by the roadside after school. "Rock... paper... scissors!" Han cheered, "I won again! You have to keep your promise¡ªbuy me ice cream!" Issac sighed lightly. "As you wish." He bought the ice cream, and they walked through the streets, chatting about the future. When Han finished her ice cream, she discovered she had won a prize. "I won! Look!" Issac took the prize, looked at it, then threw it onto the road. "What are you doing?!" "These things mean nothing to me," he said, then added, "Luck is important, isn''t it?" Han looked at him in confusion. "Sometimes, I think you say things you don''t even understand." Issac shrugged. "I really don''t understand what I just said." After elementary school, Issac''s family decided his future lay in the Shinta School, a place for exceptional children¡ªalso known as "miracles." Despite his love for the violin, he was forced to accept their decision, though his heart screamed in protest. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. On his first day there, feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, he saw a familiar face. "Han?!" "Issac! What are you doing here?" "Isn''t it obvious? I was forced to come. What about you?" "Me too¡­ but I''m glad you''re here. I was worried." That meeting became a lifeline, easing the harshness of the school. But over time, the truth became clear. The training was brutal and inhumane. One night, as his body ached from exhaustion, he murmured to himself, "This isn''t what I wanted¡­ Isn''t this your fault, Anastasia kingdom?" After graduating from Shinta School, they both enrolled in Limitless Academy, where life was less harsh. But Issac never forgot his pain. And when he graduated and started working as a warrior, the real tragedy struck. On one mission, he lost one of his closest friends. He covered his friend''s lifeless body with trembling hands. "Is this the future we wanted? To die protecting others?" His thoughts were conflicted. "Is it right to sacrifice everything? Or is there another way?" One day, Issac wanted to share his thoughts with Han. Perhaps he would even confess the love that had grown within him. But before he could speak, she spoke first. "Issac¡­ I have bad news. I''ve been forced again. My wedding is in two weeks. My father is making me leave my job as a warrior. I feel like I''m being dragged away from everything I wanted." Her voice faltered, and she clenched her clothes tightly, speaking in a trembling voice. "I wish we never left our childhood. I wish we could just eat ice cream peacefully again." Issac felt as though the words were choking him. He wanted to confess his love, but he swallowed the words and smiled quietly. "I wish you happiness, Han." After that, Han disappeared from his life. Issac lived in isolation after she left. The dark circles under his eyes grew more pronounced, his face became pale, and his body was weaker than ever. He continued working as a warrior, but he was just a ghost of himself. One day, he decided to end his life. As he pressed the knife against his wrist, there was a knock on the door. Issac hesitated, then stopped what he was doing and opened the door. Issac, to himself: "Those were dark days¡­ I wish everything was as simple as eating ice cream in childhood." He left his room, walking through the palace-like place. The people there greeted him as their leader, but Issac had no interest in their greetings. The only thing on his mind was completing his mission. Issac, to himself: "I just wish everything would end so that everyone can live in peace." In the office of the Sacred Warrior Aelius sat in silence, deep in thought. "Can''t I take a break from work today? Just for today? I''m exhausted. I just want five minutes." He closed his eyes. "No¡­ I must keep going for everyone''s safety. I have to work twice as hard to prevent anything like what happened before. Isn''t that what you do, Yaraso?" He opened his tired eyes and found Frex standing in front of him, holding a cup of coffee. Frex looked at him with his usual serious expression and handed him the coffee. "Here you go, sir." Aelius smirked. "You never stop calling me ''sir.''" "It''s only natural" After a brief silence, Frex spoke again. "You never told me why you refused to go to the Sky Kingdom." Aelius answered, "I didn''t want to meet the students of Limitless Academy." "And why is that?" "Let''s just say there''s something being prepared in my mind." Aelius, to himself: "I don''t want to meet Yaraso''s students, or Langst''s, or even Rivan''s¡­ They''re all teachers now, aren''t they? Since that day¡­ because of that damned Daimas mission¡­ I wish everything were as simple as eating ice cream at Limitless Academy." Yaraso''s Office Yaraso: "From what you''re saying, I understand that I''ll be able to go in tow months" Crystal: "Yes." Yarasou: "Two months, then. I can''t wait, Langst." Limitless Academy Corner: "Go to the students?" Yuron: "Yes, when the school year ends, you''ll go to the Kingdom of Ogrulia to accompany them back." Corner: "Why not send Langst?" Yuron: "Langst won''t be available, and since you''re the second strongest teacher in the academy, you''re the best choice if Langst isn''t present." Corner: "Understood." Corner to himself: "With pleasure... wait for me." At this time, the students had stopped in a forest since it was getting late. Kani, to herself: "I wish everything had stayed simple." Kano, to himself: "I have a bad feeling." Neron: "How''s your trust in Rivan now?" Kyotai: "At rock bottom." Neron: "Just as I expected. What about you, Leo?" Leo: "I agree with Kyotai. From what happened, we can assume the same thing will happen in the Kingdom of Ogrulia¡ªonly worse." Kyotai,visibly angry: "If Yaraso doesn''t explain what''s happening after these two months, I''ll kill him myself." Beatrix: "But aren''t we willingly walking into danger at this point? Why don''t we just return to the academy?" Leo: "If the school year were supposed to be halted, it would have been stopped long ago¡ªback when we were in the Elf City. And even after Karez lost his arm and everyone else was covered in wounds, neither the king nor whoever is giving these orders decided that the school year should be canceled. So, simply going back to the academy won''t make any difference." Beatrix: "That makes sense..." Sai: "If there''s one thing we''re sure of, it''s that we''ve gotten stronger... but our strength is still nothing. I''m feeling real bad right now, but, guys... we''re weak." Everyone fell silent, their expressions reflecting the sadness they felt inside. Kyotai, however, had a face filled with anger. And flaming eyes. Itor: "I feel like I''m going to throw up." Mary: "Me too." Kaiser: "Same here." Arian: "What''s wrong with you guys...?" Hakan and Damian were sitting next to Karez, who was currently asleep. Outside, Garin was sitting on his mist, gazing at the sky. Garin is thinking deeply: "They attacked us in the Elfs City and in the Kingdom of Sky, but they didn''t attack in the Dwarfs City or when we were with Rivan. Of course, they wouldn''t attack Rivan since he''s far stronger than them... but why didn''t they attack in the Dwarfs City? Could it be that they..." Garin descended to the ground and entered the tent where Kyotai and the others were talking. Garin: "Guys, I think I figured something out." A few minutes later Sai stepped out of the tent and found Mary sitting alone. He sat down beside her, and Mary spoke first. Mary: "How are you?" Sai: "Me? I''m fine." Mary: "You''ve been lost in thought a lot lately. Are you thinking about those maniacs who keep attacking us?" Sai: "You could say that... and also about the Dreamers." Mary: "I feel like my head is going to explode." Sai: "Let''s put that aside for now. Have your wounds healed?" Mary: "Yes. Sorry I couldn''t heal you all with my ability." Sai: "It''s fine. You were injured too." The two sat in silence until Mary spoke in a quiet voice. Mary: "I feel like my ability has become a little... strange." Sai: "What do you mean?" Mary: "When I think about the healing abilities I''ve seen before, I realize that mine doesn''t look like them. For example, when I tried to heal Arian''s body a little, I noticed that the flesh seemed to be regenerating as if it were growing anew." Sai: "I see... regenerating, huh? Interesting. Your ability must be different, then." Mary: "Possibly." Beatrix stepped out of the tent, followed shortly by Leo, who sat down next to her. Leo: "That sword is amazing. It really suits you." Beatrix smiled. "Thanks, but your sword is even better." Leo replied playfully: "What do you mean? Your sword it tow headed, plus it has markings that represent the wind. And unlike mine, it''s white." Beatrix: "And yours is black... and cursed." Leo: "Being cursed doesn''t necessarily make it the best weapon. I would''ve been cursed myself if it hadn''t chosen me." Beatrix: "But it did choose you, and that''s what matters. I really wonder why Professor Langst used it before... and whether he was cursed by it or not." Leo: "I wonder about that too. When we return to the academy, I want to talk to him about it." Beatrix: "I''ll ask him with you." They gazed at the sky in silence until Beatrix broke it. Beatrix: "Leo... thank you." Leo: "For what?" Beatrix: "Shut up." Leo: "You must really need some sleep." Beatrix''s eyes gleamed. Kinto lay in his bed, trying to sleep. He ran his fingers over his daggers quietly and took a deep breath¡ªone filled with sadness. Kinto: "Damn you royalists." Kingdom of Ogrulia "Lady Poseidon, the students of Limitless Academy are on their way." Poseidon: "Thank you for informing me." Poseidon thought to herself: "Come, Darkness Boy." Logical and instinctive The City of Deer and Giraffes Mary and Kani were standing near a game booth. Kani: "We have to aim at the moving chicken targets." Mary: "This is too easy." The game began, and Mary picked up one of the bows available for play. Mary: "I just aim like this and..." She fired three arrows, changing their direction using control Shingen to hit three targets. Kani: "Cheater... Good thing this is just for fun and doesn''t have any prizes." Mary, speaking sarcastically: "What a loss. I would''ve won tons of prizes if that were the case. Anyway¡ª" She turned around. Mary: "Isn''t everyone here fast?" The City of Deer and Giraffes was divided into two sections. The deer section was on the right, while the giraffe section was on the left. In the deer section, everyone was incredibly fast. There were vast grassy plains and numerous forests scattered throughout, creating a beautiful savanna-like environment. Leaves rustled in the wind. The sheer energy and speed flowing through the city made you pause for a moment just to grasp what was happening around you. Kani: "Just watching them, I can feel the energy radiating from this place." Mary: "Same here. The Kingdom of Ogrolia is amazing, girl!" Kani: "Even though this city isn''t the most famous one, it''s truly incredible." Mary: "This is a great place to learn hunting, but of course, they''re citizens, not mindless animals." Kani: "We might learn something here." Mary: "Like what?" Kani: "I don''t know, it''s just a feeling. Let''s see what the great kingdom has to offer." As Mary and Kani strolled through the city, Mary spotted a familiar face. Mary: "Wait, wait... Ajin!!" Kani: "Huh?" Mary: "That''s my cousin!" This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Ajin saw Mary and immediately started running toward her. Ajin: "Maryyyy!" He leaped to hug Mary, but she moved slightly, causing him to fall to the ground. Ajin, speaking in a sad tone: "You always do this..." Mary: "Doesn''t matter what I do. What matters is¡ªwhat are you doing here?" Ajin, proudly: "I got an invitation to join Gob Academy in the Kingdom of Ogrolia. I am the great Ajin!" Mary, sarcastically: "I can''t believe this. My useless cousin got an invitation like that." Ajin: "I''m not useless!" Mary: "Oh, right. Kani, this is my cousin Ajin. Ajin, this is my friend Kani." Kani: "Nice to meet you." Ajin: "nice to meet you too." Mary: "Do you still dream of becoming like Yaraso Vitalis?" Ajin: "Of course!" Kani: "Do you want to become the general director of the kingdom''s academies or what?" Ajin: "No, I want to be like him. I want to become the strongest being in existence!" Kani, clearly shocked: "The strongest being in existence?... Is that a title for Yaraso or what?" Ajin: "You don''t know?? That''s the title given to Yaraso after he defeated the previous Sacred Warrior!" Kani: "Oh my god... I didn''t know that." Mary: "How do you not know this, girl? It''s one of the most famous events in the world, not just the kingdom." Kani: "I don''t care about old people''s affairs, so I didn''t know." Mary: "As usual." Ajin: "Come with me, I want to show you something." Mary: "Let''s go, Kani." Ajin led them to the dividing line between the deer and giraffe areas, with the help of a friend who had portal abilities. There, a staircase led underground. Ajin: "This is one of the kingdom''s ruins, but it''s a little strange because of the information it holds." The three of them entered and started descending the stairs while Ajin spoke. Ajin: "Hundreds of years ago, the Kingdom of Ogrolia was ruled by a king from the gorilla race." Mary: "Isn''t the kingdom still ruled by a gorilla king?" Ajin: "I''m talking about the past! And don''t interrupt me!" He continued calmly. Ajin: "This king was called the Water Ruler. They say he was the strongest king the kingdom had ever seen. He was powerful and beloved. So much so that many considered him a god and started worshiping him." Kani: "Worship? How extraordinary must someone be for that to happen?" Ajin: "As extraordinary as this Water Ruler, I guess." They reached the bottom of the stairs and found a large wall covered in ancient inscriptions. Ajin continued: "These writings are over a thousand years old. The Kingdom of Ogrolia managed to translate some of the inscriptions after years of research. From them, we learned about the Water Ruler and how he was worshiped. But then, the research stopped, and this place became one of the kingdom''s ignored ruins for some reason. The truly strange thing, though, is this inscription, written in our modern language." Ajin pointed to a small engraving. Mary: "onak? There''s also a number below... 22 days? What does this mean?" Ajin: "If I knew, I''d tell you." Kani: "Even though it''s in our language, we don''t understand its meaning. But I feel like I''ve heard the word ''onak'' before... I just can''t remember where." Ajin: "If you remember, tell me. I''m really trying to figure out what it means." Kani: "If I remember, I''ll definitely tell you." Ajin: "Thanks!" That evening, the four returned to Marin''s house. Everyone was still busy with different things. Mary: "Sai, where''s Leo?" Sai: "Oh, he went to buy some things. Also, he''s starting his journey tomorrow with Karez to the Fish City." Mary: "You''re saying they won''t ask portal mages to transport them?" Sai: "Yeah, they said they want to experience traveling this way. It''ll take them a few days to get there since Fish City is near the borders of Ogrolia, next to the Kingdom of Atlantis." Mary: "I just hope nothing happens there. We wouldn''t be able to reach them in time." Kano: "Kinto, do you want to go to a city tomorrow?" Kinto: "No, I don''t." Kano: "Come on, man, aren''t you bored of staying here?" Kinto: "Why would I go to a noisy city?" Kano: "Why don''t we go to a place where we can relax?" Kinto: "Relax?... I''ll think about it." Kano smiled. Garin sat on the roof, sharpening his sword quietly as autumn leaves fell around him. Arian climbed up beside him and sat down. Garin: "Bored?" Arian: "Yeah." They sat in silence for a while. Arian: "I feel like I can''t improve anymore." Garin: "Why do you feel that way?" Arian: "After I became able to break rocks easily, I started improving quickly. I even started affecting steel, and now I can leave deep dents in it. But after I master steel... what''s next?" Garin, smiling: "Reading comic books is fun, isn''t it?" Arian: "Why did you change the subject so suddenly?" Garin: "In fighting comics, there are different types of fighters. Some rely on logic. Some rely on instincts. And some combine both." Arian tilted his head slightly, wondering what Garin meant. "And how does this relate to our discussion?" Garin: "You''re the second type. But you think logic is the only way to fight..." Arian: "huh?" Garin: "Instincts are the most creative, a person who fights with logic only knows things that he knows before or knows that they are possible, but this does not mean that he cannot be creative, but compared to the creativity of instincts, the creativity of logic is minimal, instincts know the possibilities of the body completely and for this thing that seems impossible to many people, instinct fighters can do" Arian: "a lot of information.." Garin: "The bottom line is that you have to let go of logic a bit and unleash your fighting instincts, Arian, if you can do it, you will be able to cross your limits and you will find ways that only you can imagine" A slow smile formed on Arian''s face. "I get it now! Thanks, Garin!" Garin i surprised a bit "This is the first time I''ve seen him smile." He looked out over the city and smiled back. "No need to thank me." Arian: "But what about the third type?" Garin: "The ones who use both instincts and logic? They''re rare... but they''re the most dangerous fighters of them all." Four years of torment In the living room Beatrix is lying on the sofa, falling to sleep a little. Beatrix was born three months before her due date, that is, Beatrix was in her mother''s womb for only six months. From birth she was in a state between life and death, and yet she continued to live and grew up. She lived a normal life full of love and tenderness from her parents and indeed she had a life that many wished for because she was the only child of her parents. Since her birth, and her mother echoed in her ear, "Beatrix Thomas Linlin" she was proud to have given birth after long suffering from the inability to have children. Beatrix turned 4 years old. She was in a store with her mother. A particular toy attracted her attention. She got closer to it and got out of her mother''s sight. At this moment she is suddenly pulled by a thin-bodied and pale-faced person. Beatrix tries to scream, but he puts his hand over her mouth and quietly walks out the back door of the store. He takes her to his house near the store It was there that the Sweet Life of Beatrix turned into a hell that she will not forget all her life. She was sexually assaulted... After the kidnapper completed his dirty deed, he took her to his car after she became unable to resist. Unfortunately, this person was not just a stupid person who was dominated by his lusts, but he was smart enough to take her out of town to a hut in one of the forests. Four years and she is being held by the kidnapper. For four years she was nothing but a tool used by her kidnapper to fulfill his dirty desires. Beatrix doesn''t even have any idea about the outside world, all she remembers is the moment she was kidnapped and all the terrible days she went through, and the clearest thing in her memory is "Beatrix Thomas Linlin." Why is the world so cruel to a girl who hasn''t even finished her childhood? Beatrix recited her full name and is shaking as she is assaulted. Her name always made her feel comfortable. Beatrix was thinking that this is the purpose of her existence in life. She began to become empty from the inside. Her facial expressions don''t suggest she''s human. Moreover she was not being fed properly. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Sometimes she even eats garbage from the kitchen....That is, if she was allowed out of her dark and empty room. One day when Beatrix was eight years old, the police arrived at the hut after reports from travelers in the woods about strange sounds from the hut. The sounds of Beatrix''s desperate cries. Beatrixx was rescued. Beatrix did not say anything other than her full name. When the police wanted to return Beatrix to her parents, it turned out that they were dead. Four years of torment, the end of which was another torment. Beatrix was placed in an orphanage and when she got a little older, she went to a psychologist to improve her condition And in the end Beatrix achieved something that her mother always loved. Enter an Academy. Present Beatrix wakes up and falls off the couch. Her hands are shaking. Beatrix: "Oh my God...." Mary enters the living room to find Beatrix on the floor. Mary: "did something happen?" Beatrix: "Nothing... I just had a nightmare, that''s all." Mary: "Alright. Look at this, it''s the glowing butterfly that accompanied me from the Dwarfs City. It turns out it was in my bag all along." Beatrix: "I was wondering where it went." After a little while, Mary leaves, and Beatrix stays alone. She slowly sits back on the couch and looks up at the ceiling for a moment. Tears slowly begin to roll down her face and onto her cold cheeks. Beatrix: "Mom... Dad...." The next day, six students depart separately to three cities they wanted to see. City of the Six Animals Kano: "It makes sense that it''s called the City of the Six Animals. They can''t name it the City of Cows, Sheep, Pigs, Goats, Chickens, and Ducks." Kinto: "Is this a place for relaxation? Are you kidding me?" Kano: "I thought the place would be calm, but it seems like everyone is active." The city was a green easy land. Not many tourists visit it because it has nothing special about it except for its kind and helpful people. As Kano and Kinto walk around, they are stopped and invited to lunch or given gifts because they are visitors. Kinto, to himself: "Why is everyone so kind? This is foolish." Kano: "Man, if Sai had come with me, we would''ve been eating forever." Kinto: "You''re the one who brought me here." Kano: "I know, I know. I think there''s a hot spring in the city. Do you like them?" Kinto: "A hot spring? Sounds good enough." They continue walking and are stopped once again. They are given a basket of vegetables, and among the fruits, there are oranges. When Kinto looks at the oranges, Kano notices it. Kano: "Don''t you like oranges?" Kinto: "They''re my favorite." Kano: "I thought you liked eating cactus." Kinto: "What do you mean by that?" Kano, smiling: "Nothing important." When they arrive at the hot spring, they remove their clothes and enter the water. Kinto starts eating the orange and gives some to Kano as well. Kano: "Are you okay?" Kinto: "What''s with the sudden question?" Kano: "I don''t know how to start conversations slowly, so answer." Kinto: "Yeah, I''m fine. It''s just that I''m trying to find a new way to fight, relying more on my ability than my daggers." Kano: "Your ability is amazing. Have you found a way or not?" Kinto: "I think I have an idea." Kano: "And what is it?" Kinto: "You''ll see soon when we''re attacked." Kano: "We''re pretty sure we''re getting attacked now." Kinto: "You know... hot springs are better when you have a partner." Kano: "I agree with you, my partner." City of Birds Neron and Itor are running quickly through the forests, trying to catch up with a bird warrior. Neron: "His flight is so fast." Itor: "He challenged us in this race, so we shouldn''t stop. Or do you want me to call you ''Slow''?" Neron: "Man..." Itor: "Let''s have some fun, man. Let''s run faster." Neron: "When I beat you, remember, you''re the one who challenged me here." Itor laughs excitedly. Itor: "That''s the spirit! I haven''t felt this excitement in a while!" City of Gorillas Garin and Arian are sitting on a mountain, allowing them to see the entire city. Garin: "What an amazing place." Arian: "It reminds me of my childhood." Garin: "Your childhood?" Arian: "Yeah, I used to go to the mountains and forests a lot. I met many animals, including gorillas." Arian jumps off the mountain and halts his fall in mid-air using the Stability Shingen. Garin also descends using his ability. Garin: "This Stability Shingen is amazing, man." Arian: "I''m glad I learned it, but honestly, I don''t know how I managed to give up my previous Shingen and use this one." Garin gazes at the city for a moment while thinking. Garin: "Someone told me that sometimes Shinta can have abnormal cases. It''s possible your situation is abnormal." Arian: "It''s possible." The City of Gorillas resembles the City of Monkeys, except that the gorillas'' houses aren''t on tree trunks but at their tops. There are two types of gorillas: the active ones and the lazy ones. Thus, some gorillas live in a strange and different way compared to the rest of the cities, as they are lazy. Most of the lazy gorillas hold high positions in society and possess great wealth. When Garin and Arian reach the ground, a huge gorilla approaches them with steady steps and extends its hand to Garin as if inviting him. Garin grabs the gorilla''s hand and is pulled to a different place. Arian follows them, and it turns out that the gorilla took them to a place where they celebrate their annual traditions. The gorilla speaks: "Don''t be shy." Arian pulls Garin, and they begin eating afterward. The Next Day Sai and Hakan go to the City of Tigers, Lions, and Leopards. Sai: "They''re not very friendly here." Hakan: "What do you expect from animals that are originally predators?" Sai: "At least they won''t eat us." Hakan, smiling confidently: "Not like they could." On the Same Day Kyotai and Kaiser go to the City of Turtles. Kyotai: "Everything here is slow." Kaiser, smiling: "Just like volcanic lava." From us to you, O Vita, after 1500 years." Karez: "The City of Fish is connected to the Kingdom of Atlantis." Leo: "Really? Does that mean we can enter the Kingdom of Atlantis directly?" Karez: "Yes." Leo: "That''s something we''ll think about later. For now, how can we actually get into the city underwater?" Karez: "Over there." Karez points towards a person. "He can probably help us." They move toward him, and Leo speaks to him: "Sir, can you help us enter the City of Fish?" The man, whose name is Lork, replies: "Yes, yes." Lork creates bubbles around them. Lork: "This way, you can breathe underwater." Karez: "Thank you." The two descend into the water, and the city becomes visible. The city is neither large nor small, clearly connected to the Kingdom of Atlantis. Its clear waters create a wonderful environment for life. The houses and buildings are made of flexible materials, and there are places where forces push you up or pull you down. At the boundary between the city and the Kingdom of Atlantis, there is a large statue of a red fish. Suddenly, Lork descends to them. Leo: "Oh¡­ hello?" Lork: "I didnt tell you? I''m your tour guide." Leo: "A tour guide? I see now..." Leo smiles and then looks at the city calmly. Leo: "Karez." Karez: "What?" Leo: "I feel like something is calling me." Karez: "What do you mean?" Leo thinks for a moment, then says: "I don''t know, but it excites me." Karez, smiling: "I see, I hope it''s something good." Leo: "Now that I think about it¡­ we haven''t gone out alone like this in a long time." Karez: "That''s why I suggested coming here with you." Leo smiles in relief. Lork moves, and the two follow him. Lork: "The City of Fish alone has many different races. It was originally part of the Kingdom of Atlantis but was given to the Kingdom of Ogrolia for a trade." The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Leo, curious: "A trade? What kind of thing requires trading an entire part of a kingdom?" Lork: "You''ll see when we arrive." The three continue their path between the city''s buildings, moving through the calm waters. Lork: "The City of Fish has an ancient history dating back thousands of years, even before the rise of the Kingdom of Atlantis and the Kingdom of Ogrolia. It was once called the Kingdom of the Last Hope, and in other records, it was referred to as ''The Gate.''" Karez: "The Gate? To what?" Lork: "No one knows." Lork opens a portal with his teleportation magic. The three enter it and arrive at the statue of the red fish. Lork: "It was traded away for a great warrior who was alive 250 years ago¡ªNaren, the Water Ruler." Leo: "Naren? Isn''t she the one Garin mentioned in the City of Elfs?" Karez: "I think so." Lork: "Indeed, she helped the people of the City of Elfs." Leo: "The Earth Ruler, Skyram¡­ the Water Ruler, Naren¡­ rulers of the earth and water¡­ I wonder what''s next?" Lork: "Speaking of the Water Ruler, the current one¡ªPoseidon¡ªwants to meet you, Leo." Leo, slightly surprised: "Meet me? Why me?" Lork: "I don''t know. She just said she wants to meet you." Karez, sarcastically: "Looks like you''ve become really famous, Leo." Leo: "I don''t think it has anything to do with fame." Lork: "You can bring your friend if you want. She''s waiting for you under the statue." Lork opens a door in the statue, revealing a staircase leading downward. Leo: "So, you led us here for her?" Lork: "That''s right." Karez: "Thanks for guiding us." The two descend to meet Poseidon. After a few steady steps, they finally reach her. Water surrounds her body. Poseidon: "So, you''ve arrived, Darkness Boy¡­ and who is with you?" Karez: "I''m Karez. Karez Lavalic." Leo, thinking to himself: "Dark Boy? Not very nice." Poseidon: "Karez¡­ I''ve heard of you before. Your ability is beautiful." Karez: "Thank you." Poseidon places her hands on her cheeks. Poseidon: "When I heard about your feats in the City of Elfs and the Kingdom of Sky, I felt like there was still so much good in the world." Karez, thinking to himself: "She speaks in an overly kind manner." Leo: "We didn''t do anything except our duty." Poseidon: "Leo, didn''t Yaraso tell you about me?" Leo: "No, he didn''t tell me anything." Poseidon: "That man¡­ never mind. The important thing is that he asked me to teach you something. Would you like to join, Karez?" Karez: "I don''t see a reason not to." After 18 days, Leo and Karez return to Marin''s house after their journey to the City of Fish. Everyone welcomes them, and they eat and drink together, enjoying a beautiful time filled with tranquility. Mary: "Leo, there''s something I want to show you. To be honest, it really caught my attention." Leo: "Caught your attention? What is it?" Mary: "Come with me." Mary takes Leo outside the house, and with the help of a teleportation mage, she transports him to the border between the City of Deer and the City of Giraffes. Leo: "What is this place?" Mary: "I brought Sai and Kento here, and now that you''re here, I want you to see it too." Mary quickly descends the stairs. Mary: "It''s cold, let''s hurry." Leo: "Okay." They reach the bottom of the stairs. Leo sees a wall inscribed with strange symbols. Mary: "All of this is unimportant¡­ Well, actually, it is important, but what really caught my attention is this." She points toward the word: onak. Mary: "And beneath it, the number ''22 days'' is written. I mean, how could something this old be written in our current language?" Leo: "That is indeed interesting." Leo touches the word onak with his hand, and it suddenly lights up. He steps back as the number ''22'' begins to decrease¡ªturning into hours, then minutes, then seconds. The number reaches zero, and the word "Now" appears. Onak flips to become Kano, and beside it, the word "Traitor" is written. Leo and Mary are shocked, their eyes about to pop out of their sockets. Leo: "Kano¡­ Traitor?..." Just as Leo is about to move, another phrase appears: "From us to you, O Vita, after 1500 years." Leo, to himself: "Huh?... What is this?... No, this isn''t important right now¡ªI have to hurry!" Mary: "Something like this¡­ It can''t be natural!" Leo: "I''ll go ahead!" Meanwhile, at Marin''s house, there''s a knock on the door. Kano: "Open the door." Kani: "It''s your turn now." Kano: "Whatever." Kano opens the door to find the teacher Corner standing before him. Before Kano can utter a word, Corner grips his head tightly¡ªthen suddenly lets go. Kani: "What happened?" Kani moves toward the door to check, seeing teacher Kornar. Kani: "Professor? I didn''t expect someone from the acade¡ª" Kornar suddenly shocks her with electricity. All the students rush to the house''s entrance after hearing the shock, only to witness a disaster. Neron and Kyotai draw their swords and charge at Kornar, but he blocks their attacks. He forms an electric field around him, grabbing Kano and pulling him outside. Just then, Leo arrives. Kano regains consciousness and speaks to Leo: Kano: "How are you, our little treasure?" Leo: "Kano!! What does this mean?!" Neron: "Kornar! Kano! What is this?!" Kano: "Leo, don''t worry, and don''t be sad. And don''t call me your friend, because we never were. The curtain has been lifted on my lost memories. My mission is over." The ground beneath Kornar and Kano begins to rise. Leo, in a state of shock, yells: Leo: "Don''t joke with me like this!" Leo launches spears of darkness at Kano and Kornar, but Kano blocks them with a wall of sand. Mary arrives. Kornar and Kano begin speaking simultaneously: "When the Seven Sins descend with the King, terror will strike the heart of every wretched being. They will kneel in humiliation, begging for mercy, but their cries will be in vain. For our King is the only one who grants mercy. Let the world witness the age of eternal light." The students are separated into different barriers.... Sai''s Barrier: Sai, visibly exhausted, speaks: "I''m so tired of this." Kyotai''s Barrier: Kyotai, suppressing his anger, mutters: "Won''t you ever stop?" Kento''s Barrier: Kento: "I will cut off the head of whoever stands against me here. Then I''ll go outside and behead the rest." Kento''s expression burns with fury. Leo''s Barrier: Leo: "Again¡­." A familiar figure appears before Leo. "How are you, our little treasure? Don''t you remember me?" Leo: "How could I ever forget your disgusting face, Ilo? And of course¡­ you''re a dreamer right now." Ilo: "Exactly. You''re getting smarter, Leo." Leo: "I cut off your head before¡­ and I''ll cut it off again now."